Advice Solicitor (Ipswich) - Women'S Legal Service Queensland

Women's Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child safety matters, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. WLSQ is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman:

• Is safe from violence;
  
• Is able to tellher story, have it heard and respected;
  and
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.

WLSQ has opened a new office in Ipswich, and we are looking for experienced family lawyers who are looking for full time or flexible work arrangements. In particular:

• Flexible hours including outside of business hours.
• Work from home.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Key Responsibilities:

1. Undertaking the delivery of WLSQ legal services including:

• Provide legal advice in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child safety matters.
• Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
• Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice and the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Provide duty lawyer services for domestic violence matters in designated Magistrates Courts.
• Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal referrals as required.
• Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
• Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.

2. Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.

3. Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.

4. Any other tasks as requested by the Team Leader.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor's Practising Certificate and a minimum of 3 years' post admission experience in family law and domestic violence, is a requirement.
• Experience in child safety matters and child support is desirable.
• Accreditation as domestic violence duty lawyer is highly desirable.
• High level of computer literacy including Microsoft Office.
• High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and require assistance with family law matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients including those:
  
  • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
    
  • With a disability;
    
  • From culturallyand linguistically diverse backgrounds;
    and/or
  • From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• Being a woman is a genuine occupational requirement for this position (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to having a meaningful and rewarding career, you will receive:

• An attractive remuneration package;
  from $93,860 to 98,108 plus super;
  
• Generous leave entitlements with additional paid leave over Christmas and New Year.