We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Lawyer to join our Farm and Rural Legal Services. In this role, you will provide expert legal advice, representation, and advocacy to primary producers and rural small business operators facing complex credit and debt-related issues and contribute to the development of innovative case management practices and support law reform and policy initiatives. This role also requires extensive travel to remote and regional locations to deliver services to clients. This is a temporary part-time role (21.75 hours per week) for 12 months, with flexible workdays and hours to be agreed upon after appointment.

Job details

Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) is committed to being a leader in a fair justice system where people can understand and protect their legal rights. We provide high-quality, cost-effective legal services to financially disadvantaged Queenslanders. Our values are rooted in social justice, respect, quality, cost-effectiveness, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will provide high-quality legal advice and representation in complex credit, debt, and insurance law matters, with a particular focus on supporting rural and remote clients. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining case management standards, legal advice guides, and precedents to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery. Representing clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings, you will advocate effectively on their behalf while contributing to the development and implementation of innovative legal practices, policies, and procedures. A commitment to maintaining a high standard of practice through governance and risk management is essential, as is modelling the values of respect, quality, and accountability in all professional interactions.

The ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Extensive experience and knowledge in commercial and consumer law, particularly relating to credit and debt issues for primary producers and rural small business operators.
• A strong understanding of the challenges faced by rural producers in Queensland.
• Demonstrated ability to represent clients in complex legal matters and provide expert legal services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused legal services.

Mandatory Requirements

• Admission or eligibility for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland.
• Eligibility for a current practising certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
• A current driver's licence (reasonable adjustments will be considered).

Additional Information

• This role may involve exposure to explicit or graphic material during the course of your work.
• Applicants will undergo a criminal history check and serious disciplinary history check.
• The appointed candidate may be required to disclose any conflicts of interest and undertake a probationary period.
• This role requires extensive travel to remote and regional locations to deliver services to clients.

How to Apply

• Submit your application online via SmartJobs, including:
• A 2 page cover letter outlining what you bring to the role.
• Your resume/CV detailing your relevant experience, work history, and qualifications.
• Contact details for two referees.

Benefits

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

• A 36.25 hour working week (full time hours) – part time equivalent 21.75 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.

• LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  PO5 Senior Lawyer - Farm Debt Civil) Position Description (PDF, 319KB)