Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) is a leader in providing access to justice for financially disadvantaged Queenslanders. Our Civil Justice Services division is recognised as a leading provider of specialist legal services, assisting vulnerable clients in areas such as consumer protection, farm finance, employment, administrative appeals (NDIS and Social Security) and anti-discrimination. We are committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal services that uphold our values of social justice, respect, quality, cost-effectiveness, and accountability.

Job details

About the role

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced legal professional to take on a key leadership position in civil law practice in Queensland. As the Principal Lawyer, you will provide leadership, management, and guidance to a team of legal and administrative professionals. You will also represent legally aided clients in complex civil law matters and contribute to improvements in legal aid services and the justice system.

Your responsibilities

In this role, you will coordinate and lead the delivery of civil law services across Queensland, ensuring compliance with professional, ethical, and corporate responsibilities. You will manage and supervise a team, including performance management, coaching, recruitment, and resource allocation, while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. You will personally represent clients in complex civil law matters, supervise legal work, and provide training and guidance to staff and external practitioners. Additionally, you will develop and deliver professional development programs, contribute to community legal education, and maintain networks with external stakeholders. You will also monitor team performance, manage budgets, and contribute to operational planning to ensure the effective delivery of services.

The ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Admission or eligibility for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland.
• Eligibility for a current unrestricted practising certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the practice and procedure of complex civil law matters.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a legal team, including monitoring performance, professional development, and human resource functions.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise, and articulate advice.
• A commitment to self-development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the law and procedure.

This role is not suitable for early career lawyers. A criminal history check, serious disciplinary history check, and, if required, an NDIS compliance and enforcement actions search will be undertaken for the recommended applicant. Applicants must disclose any banning orders under section 73ZN of the NDIS Act 2013 and provide a copy of the order prior to an offer of employment being made.

Find out more about the role and how to apply in the attached role description.

Why join us

As a member of the Legal Aid Queensland Community, you will receive:

• A 36.25 hour working week (full time hours)
• Generous salary packaging
• Employer super contributions of 12.75%
• Flexible working hours
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.

Find out more about working in Legal Aid Queensland here: https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/About-us/Careers

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.

• Position description - PO6 Principal Lawyer (civil) (PDF, 147KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit