Outstanding opportunity for a legal professional to take on a position at Legal Aid Qld (LAQ) and deliver high-quality family law services to vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders. The work undertaken by this role is challenging, complex and rewarding. You will represent the interests of legally aided clients and prepare cases in family law, domestic and family violence, counselling notes protect, child protection and related matters, while coaching the legal work of, identify training needs, training and guiding staff within the team. Legal Aid Video:

Job details

Key Details:

• This role is not suitable for early career lawyers.
• This position is fulltime, temporary up to 6 months.
• The successful candidate may be assigned to a Family Law Team, Child Protection Team or Violence Prevention Advocacy Team depending on vacancies and needs of the teams.

Mandatory requirements or special conditions:

You must be:

• admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland; and
• eligible for a current practicing certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.

This is Regulated employment which includes providing services to people under 18 years of age. Confirmation of employment is conditional upon the preferred applicant being issued with a valid Queensland Working with Children Clearance (Blue Card) which will be linked to Legal Aid Queensland prior to their commencing in the role. Please refer to the Blue Card Services website for further information.

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, counselling notes protect, 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.
• Work with 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 support 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.

How You Will be Assessed:

The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following capabilities:

• You have knowledge and experience in preparing, representing and advocating in a diverse range of matters including complex family law, domestic and family violence, counselling notes protect, 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 Capabilities that May be Assessed:

 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

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_00349 Applicant information kit FA (PDF, 3.13MB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  position description - PO5 Senior Lawyer (PDF, 435KB)
  Role Description