This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in family law, child protection, and family violence, making a real difference to the lives of families and children in our community. As this is a recruitment for a pool of solicitors at Specified Calling Level 1 or 2 and Specified Calling Level 3/4, we are looking for a range of candidates, from those who are newly admitted, to those who are more experienced.

About the role

This is an opportunity for solicitors with family law experience to join the Family Law Division of Legal Aid WA. Appointments from the pool may be made to the Family Law Practice, Domestic Violence Legal Unit, Family Court Duty Lawyer Services and Children’s Court Protection Services. Depending upon the position, responsibilities may include managing a file load which may consist of various legal matters for parties including family law, child protection, family violence restraining orders (litigation and mediation) or providing duty lawyer, legal advice, and legal task assistance for clients with complex needs. Negotiation, advice and court appearances in the Family Court of WA, the Children’s Court of WA and the Magistrates Court of WA are part of these roles. Candidates who are qualified Independent Children’s Lawyers or wish to complete training to become qualified, are encouraged to apply. 

About you

For both positions, a qualification as an Independent Children’s Lawyer, eligibility or interest in training to become an Independent Children’s Lawyer and Child Representative will be highly regarded.

Solicitor Specified Calling Level 1 or 2:

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of family law principles and procedures across all areas, including child protection and family violence restraining orders. Experience in these areas will be an advantage. Advocacy skills and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential. The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and have a proven ability to work autonomously and cooperatively in a team environment. Additionally, you will demonstrate strong interpersonal, analytical, and written communication skills, including legal drafting. Experience with clients affected by family violence will also be highly regarded.

Solicitor Specified Calling Level 3/4:

Candidates will have considerable post-admission family law experience, particularly in the Family Court of Western Australia, Magistrates Court & Children's Court jurisdictions, with strong knowledge of family law, protection & care, and family violence. At this level you will be required to manage complex and challenging legal matters. Your experience will also include demonstrated litigation and advocacy experience and representation at mediations. Additionally, candidates will be expected to supervise junior legal staff so any experience in this will be an advantage.

About us and what we can offer you

We offer a strong team working environment, the satisfaction of adding value to the community, and a range of benefits in line with business requirements, which may include professional development opportunities, flexible working and leave arrangements and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Legal Aid WA is a provider of customer centred services and fosters a culture of inclusion. We appreciate differing viewpoints and cultural diversity and value all perspectives as we strive for excellent customer service through process improvements and innovation.

Further information

Please visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us and click here to learn about the benefits we offer employees.

Substantive Equality

Legal Aid Western Australia is an equal opportunity employer, we recognise the value that people of diverse backgrounds bring to the workforce. We are committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes through the recruitment, development and retention of people from all diverse backgrounds. Suitable Australian First Nations applicants may be given priority consideration over non diversity group applicants to achieve public sector outcomes. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.

Pool conditions

As this is a pool, vacancies will be offered on a full-time or part-time permanent or fixed-term basis. This selection process may also be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout our organisation that arise within the term of the pool. It is important to note that appointment to the pool is not a guarantee that you will be offered a term of employment.

Appointment to all positions at Legal Aid WA is subject to a satisfactory national criminal history check, integrity and conflict checks, and 100-point identification check.

Position descriptions are attached.