This is an outstanding opportunity for a legal professional to take on a position delivering high-quality family law services to vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders. Legal Aid Queensland plays an important role in the state’s justice system, providing specialist services in child support, child protection, domestic and family violence, social work, dispute resolution and family law matters.

Job details

As a senior lawyer, you will represent the interests of legally aided clients in family law, domestic and family violence, child protection and related matters. The work is challenging, complex and rewarding.

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

• Represent clients, including preparing matters, instructing counsel and personally appearing as an advocate in family law, domestic and family violence, child protection and related matters.
• If a member of the Independent Children's Lawyer and Separate Representative panels, you may act in the child's best interest in family law and child protection matters.
• Provide duty lawyer services, legal information, advice and referrals.
• Help the Principal Lawyer to coach legal work, train, guide and develop the legal skills of staff within the team, Legal Aid Queensland staff state-wide and external practitioners.
• Provide advice on and contribute to changes in policies, procedures and systems, and undertake operational reporting requirements, as required.
• Develop and provide continuing professional development to Legal Aid Queensland staff and preferred suppliers and contribute to community legal education of external stakeholders.
• Contribute to submissions and support the Principal Lawyer and directorate to lead Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives.
• Help maintain networks with relevant external stakeholders.
• Contribute to operational and team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.

Success Criteria:

• You have knowledge and experience in preparing, representing and advocating in a diverse range of matters including complex family law, domestic and family violence, child protection and related matters.
• You have knowledge of and comply with the practice and procedure of the relevant areas of law and ethical standards.
• You communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner, offer convincing rationale, negotiate persuasively and have the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders including clients with complex needs using the principles of trauma informed practice.

Other Competencies:

Legal Aid Queensland applies the Leadership competencies for Queensland. We recognise that leadership is a part of every role regardless of classification level or management responsibilities. This role is mapped to the “Team Leader” profile. The competencies most relevant to this role are:

• Results- You build and sustain relationships to achieve shared goals.
• Results- You support learning by providing coaching, constructive feedback and opportunities for development.
• Vision- You support social justice and demonstrate critical thinking.
• Vision- You demonstrate a growth mindset and build confidence within challenging environment.

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.
• Locality Allowance

Further information

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

Reimbursement or payment of relocation costs may be considered on appointment of successful applicant in accordance with the Domestic Travelling and Relieving Expenses Directive 13/23.

Documents

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

• PO5 Senior Family Lawyer Cairns Position Description (PDF, 429KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ_00058 Employee Benefits(2) (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit