Are you a passionate lawyer looking to make a meaningful impact? Do you want to help families build brighter futures? Legal Aid Queensland’s Family Law Services division invites you to join us as an Emerging Family Lawyer and start making a difference in the lives of vulnerable clients.

Job details

This role is being filled using a targeted recruitment process. It is open only to people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

This role does not involve extra duties related to First Nations work.  

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are required to include a brief statement in their application outlining their connection to community. Legal Aid Queensland is committed to supporting diversity.  Targeted recruitment is a supported approach for the Queensland public sector as set out in clause 8.8 and 8.16 of the Recruitment and selection directive. It is also supported by section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Legal Aid Queensland acknowledges and respects the Traditional Custodians of the land where our offices stand, and where we work to help disadvantaged Queenslanders uphold their legal rights in our justice system.

About Legal Aid Queensland

Legal Aid Queensland's vision is to be a leader in a fair justice system where people are able to understand and protect their legal rights. Our purpose is to provide quality, cost effective legal services to financially disadvantaged people throughout Queensland.

We embrace diversity, flexibility, learning and continuous improvement to deliver quality legal services. The work is challenging but rewarding - and that is why staff wellbeing and work/life balance are a top priority for us.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for lawyers who are passionate about family law but may not have prior experience in this field. Whether your background is in another legal practice area or you're taking the next step in your career, we want to hear from you. All you need is a dedication to applying your skills to support families, children, and individuals facing some of life's toughest challenges.

Joining our Emerging Lawyer Program means you will be mentored and supported to develop expertise in family law, including child protection, domestic and family violence, parenting issues, property settlements, and more. You'll work on varied and meaningful cases, preparing you to become a confident and capable advocate in this critical area of law.

You will play a vital role in delivering high-quality legal services to clients, supporting them through some of life's most challenging circumstances. You will conduct casework, take instructions, and prepare documents while being supervised to build your expertise. Advocating for clients in courts and tribunals, you will help families navigate complex issues such as child protection, domestic and family violence, parenting arrangements, and divorce. You'll engage closely with Legal Aid stakeholders, government agencies, and community organisations, all while contributing to broader policy and legal service delivery initiatives. This role also offers opportunities to provide duty lawyer services and legal advice to the public, helping clients to exercise their legal rights with confidence and clarity.

About you

• A passion for helping families during challenging times and a strong commitment to social justice.
• Admission or eligibility for admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland, with an active practising certificate.
• A willingness to learn and apply your legal expertise to family law matters, guided by experienced professionals.
• Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills, with a focus on assisting vulnerable individuals through trauma-informed practices.
• Dedication to ongoing personal and professional development to remain ahead of changes in law and policy.

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

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.

For First Nations employees:

• Monthly network yarns
• First Nations mentoring
• Free confidential counselling sessions for your family with a First Nations provider
• WFH options and cultural leave
• Opportunities to consult on First Nations work being done
• Compulsory cultural awareness and safety training for all staff

Check out our First Nations Strategic Plan

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 - PO2 Emerging Family Lawyer (targeted) (PDF, 195KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Applicant information kit (PDF, 3.13MB)
  Information Package for Applicants