Aboriginal Family Law Services (WA) aims to provide free, culturally secure, and legal and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault.

Principal Legal Officer

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for the delivery of legal services for AFLS. AFLS provides legal services in the following areas: Family Law, Children’s’ Court, Magistrates Court, particularly in matters concerning family violence and Criminal Injuries Compensation.

The successful applicant will be:

• Responsible for the provision of AFLS legal services to the Legal Practice Board WA;
• Required to remotely supervise restricted practitioners in regional office locations which will require extensive travel;
• Expected to provide leadership to legal staff and other AFLS staff; and

• Undertake a key role within the executive of AFLS and report to the Board

Essential

• Admitted or eligible for admittance to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia
• Minimum of 7 years’ legal practice experience as an unrestricted practising solicitor
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working within family law
• Demonstrated understanding of principles relating to family violence law
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience supervising junior lawyers
• Demonstrated experience in practice management of staff
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Must be able to travel to regional office locations regularly
• Confidence in establishing networks and experience advocating on behalf of legal organisations
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people

Desirable

• Completion of the Legal Practice Management course
• Knowledge of and/or experience with remote Aboriginal community issues
• Commitment to the principles of Aboriginal self-determination and social justice
• Post graduate education in Aboriginal Family Violence issues
• Good operational knowledge and experience running remote operations / organisations

Essential Eligibility Requirements

• Current ‘C’ Class WA Driver’s License
• Current Police Clearance Certificate
• Current Working with Children Check