ABOUT CAXTON 

Caxton Community Legal Centre's purpose is to promote and protect human rights in Queensland through access to justice.  Caxton provides free information, legal assistance, advocacy and social support in relation to a broad range of legal issues for people living in the Greater Brisbane Region and Statewide.  Priority is given to people who experience disadvantage, trauma and marginalisation, and who have limited capability to self-advocate. Caxton undertakes community education, engages in law and systems reform and publishes legal information on a range of topics in the online Queensland Law Handbook.  Find out more at www.caxton.org.au.

THE ROLE - An OPPORTUNITY to Make a difference

This is a part-time role (4 days/week for Unrestricted Lawyer or 3 days/week for Senior Lawyer) until 30 June 2027.

The successful applicant will work both independently and as part of a team to provide legal advice and casework. Other duties may include supervising volunteers, students and secondees, including at evening advice sessions or in clinics. They will represent Caxton and the Workers’ Rights service in targeted stakeholder engagement, contribute to law reform submissions, develop and deliver community legal education, and contribute towards the long-term sustainability of the Workers’ Rights service, as directed by the Managing Senior Lawyer. 

A Senior Lawyer will provide support and guidance to other practitioners in the Workers’ Rights team, and be responsible for supervising certain legal services, as directed by the Managing Senior Lawyer, under Caxton’s professional indemnity insurance arrangements. 

The attached document contains two different position descriptions which correspond with different levels of experience.

Remuneration and Benefits 

• A supportive and inclusive workplace 
• Level 5 (lawyer) or6 (senior lawyer) under the SCHADS Award (depending on experience) plus above award entitlements 
• $119,039.42 or $130,058.93 per annum pro rata (inclusive of superannuation) 
• Christmas shutdown leave in addition to 4 weeks annual leave 
• First Nations staff entitled to a colonial loading payment of 4% on top of their base salary 
• 35-hour week of work paid at 38-hour week rate 
• Flexible work arrangements available 
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution 
• Excellent salary packaging options available (up to $15,900/year)

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Under the supervision and direction of the Managing Senior Lawyer – Workers’ Rights:

• Work with minimal supervision, and on occasion in collaboration with pro bono firms and counsel, to deliver legal advice and conduct both simple and complex casework.
• Work collaboratively with social workers to provide a holistic, client-centred service to diverse clients within a human rights framework.
• Continue to develop existing knowledge of workplace law, and practices and procedures in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Fair Work Commission, Queensland Human Rights Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission.
• Deliver community education, engage in sector development and networking, contribute to law and policy reform.

Additional responsibilities - Senior Lawyer:

• Provide direct supervision of, and share skills and experience with, level 4 and level 5 lawyers, paralegals, PLT students and volunteers, as well as lawyers in other Caxton programs assisting clients with co-existing employment matters.
• Trouble-shoot issues related to clients accessing the service or making complaints and identifying PII issues to the Managing Senior Lawyer.

Essential requirements 

• Demonstrated sound knowledge and experience of employment, sexual harassment and anti-discrimination law. Experience in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Fair Work Commission, Queensland Human Rights Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission an advantage.
• Bachelor of Laws or equivalent.
• Admitted in an Australian state or territory, and in the High Court of Australia.
• Current, or eligibility for, Queensland Practising Certificate.

Additional requirements -SENIOR LAWYER

• Demonstrated high level knowledge and experience across employment, sexual harassment and anti-discrimination law. Experience in each of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Fair Work Commission, Queensland Human Rights Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising lawyers on restricted practising certificates, PLT students and volunteers.
• 5+ years post admission experience. 

For any questions about the role, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer / Senior Lawyer - Workers' Rights enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

The attached PDF contains two position descriptions. Please refer to the appropriate position description for your level of experience when applying for the role.