Job Description

Supervising Solicitor - Casework Opportunity

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 tell her story, have it heard and respected; and
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.

The role is responsible for undertaking direct client services to WLSQ clients in family law, domestic violence and child protection, including more complex matters, while supervising the legal work, guiding and ensuring the professional development and training of all staff within the Brisbane Casework team.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In this role you will be responsible for:

A. Leadership and Management of the Casework Team:

• Oversee the provision of quality legal and non-legal work by conducting file reviews
  and quality audits, facilitating team and case management meetings and
  investigating client complaints

• Review and sign off on advice provided by Casework solicitors and Graduate Solicitors to
  ensure accurate and compliant advice

• Coordinate workflows and workloads to ensure the smooth running of the team and
  appropriate utilisation of people and performance against case work targets

• Attend to all management responsibilities including recruitment of legal and non-legal
  staff, induction and onboarding of new staff, ongoing training and development,
  rostering, resolution of issues and grievances, managing performance and
  conduct issues and developing and maintaining professional development plans
  (PDP’s)

• Ensure mandatory training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements
  are met
• Communicate team goals and objectives and monitor progress to ensure the team is performing to a high standard
• Develop, implement and ensure compliance with a casework criteria and referral
  processes. Consult with staff and provide advice on complex legal matters
• Foster a collaborative team culture for staff which is professional, productive and
  supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles
• Build strong professional relationships with external stakeholders and referral
  partners.
• Report any issues relating to operational and / or legal risk to the Assistant Legal
  Practice Director

B. Provide holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal advice, task assistance,
case work and representation to women across Queensland:

• Provide telephone and in-person legal advice, referrals, case work and representation
  in the areas of family law, domestic violence and child protection.
• Represent clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Magistrates Court
  and Children's Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where
  appropriate.
• Provide domestic and family violence duty lawyer services at multiple locations
• Ensure the Casework team provides legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and
  practice and the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.

C. Work closely with the advice team, temporary visa protection team and other
specialist legal teams, social work and financial abuse prevention teams to
provide holistic, wrap around support for women to address both legal and
non-legal issues

D. Conduct risk assessments and contribute to safety planning for women seeking legal
advice:

• 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.
• Develop and deliver of community legal education and contribute to WLSQ’s law reform
  activities.

F. Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ:

• Develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team members and key
  stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by the Assistant Legal Practice
  Director or Practice Director

SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 5 years’ post admission experience in family law and domestic violence law, is a requirement.
• Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in family law and domestic violence law, including drafting relevant court documents and management of files is required. Experience in child protection and child support is desirable.
• High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and 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 culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or

- From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team of professional and administrative staff, including the provision of performance management and feedback, recruitment and other personnel or workforce requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in delivering legal service and meeting organisational objectives while fostering a respectful and inclusive working environment where health, safety and wellbeing are promoted and prioritised.
• 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 WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

This role requires the incumbent to hold and maintain the
following:

• 
  Open Queensland Driver’s Licence
• Working With Children Check (Blue Card)
• National Police Check
• Unrestricted Practicing Certificate

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.

Remuneration package: from $129,211 plus super per year plus statutory super and Attractive salary sacrifice options.

Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.

Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.

Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.

Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.

On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on 'apply' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the People and Culture team by phone on 07 3392 0644 or email at peopleandculture@wlsq.org.au.