This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced legal professional to play a key role managing the delivery of legal services to communities in the Mackay region. As principal lawyer, you will lead a busy team of legal and administrative staff to provide efficient and effective services to the community including legal information and advice and representation in family, criminal and civil cases, including duty lawyer services in the criminal and civil law courts and legal services to prisoners.

Job details

In this unique role you will also represent legally aided clients in family, criminal or civil law matters., including child protection cases. You will also have the opportunity to work on high-level law and policy reform submissions, contribute to Legal Aid Queensland's strategic planning process, and provide advice to head office about issues in your community. An important aspect of this role is establishing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders in the justice system to identify legal needs in the community and collaborate to deliver services that help meet those needs. 

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the following:

• Lead, monitor and report on the operational performance of the team and ensure compliance with all professional and corporate responsibilities.
• Manage a team of professional and administrative staff including the provision of legal supervision, performance management and feedback, recruitment, conflict management, leave management and other human resource activities.
• Support the ongoing development of all team members through the provision of team induction, on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring.
• Help and guide staff within the team, Legal Aid Queensland lawyers state-wide and external legal practitioners regarding particular cases, Legal Aid Queensland processes and referral pathways.
• Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the justice system and allied sectors, represent the agency at stakeholder meetings and regularly liaise with counterparts from other agencies and organisations.
• Collaborate with local community organisations and legal service providers to deliver services and provide community legal education.
• Ensure new initiatives and programs are effectively implemented and supported.
• Manage the delivery of family, criminal or civil cases in the office and undertake casework across various jurisdictions.

About You:

• You have extensive experience in the conduct of criminal , family and/or civil law matters. You are committed to self-development and maintain up-to-date knowledge of the law and precedents.
• You understand the organisation's objectives and align operational activities accordingly. You review office performance and focus on identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. You have experience coordinating activities and implementing strategies that improve legal service delivery to disadvantaged people.
• You have experience managing a multidisciplinary team. You contribute to the professional development of others including, providing clear guidance, constructive feedback and mentoring.
• You represent the office effectively in public forums. You can build and sustain relationships with a network of key people internally and externally.

What we offer you

• 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• Generous salary packaging
• 12.75% employer super contributions
• Flexible working hours
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.

If this opportunity sounds right for you, submit a Cover letter about what you can bring to the role along with your resume for your chance to make a positive impact and work for a supportive organisation that makes a difference.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ_00058 Employee Benefits(2) (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit
  
  PO6 Principal Lawyer Mackay Position Description (PDF, 292KB)
  Role Description