WHAT WE OFFER

• A rare opportunity to lead, advocate, and influence change in the vital area of humanitarian and migration law.
• Flexible working options and all the tools you need to thrive in your role.
• Generous salary packaging to boost your take-home pay.
• Additional paid leave – up to 10 days (inclusive of public holidays) over the Christmas/New Year period.
• Fixed Term Role - 2 years
• Salary Range:  $141,943.52 - $153,306.27

ABOUT US

Circle Green Community Legal (Circle Green) is an independent, not-for-profit community legal centre providing statewide specialist services in humanitarian, family and domestic violence, residential tenancy, and workplace law.

We believe in Accessible Justice—creating systems, places, and spaces that ensure a safety net of best-practice legal advice, education, and advocacy for those who need it most.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Principal Lawyer to lead our Humanitarian Law Stream, based in our Perth office.

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Circle Green while leading a passionate team delivering specialist humanitarian and migration law services to people seeking asylum, refugees, and other vulnerable individuals.

You will lead with compassion and courage, ensuring our services remain fair, trauma-informed, and accessible. You will mentor and support your team to achieve excellence in client service, advocacy, and education, while strengthening collaboration across Circle Green and the broader legal and community sectors.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a profound difference—helping individuals navigate complex migration systems, advocating for systemic reform, and ensuring that fairness and dignity are upheld for every person we serve.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Lead and empower a high-performing team to deliver high-quality, client-centred services, fostering a supportive, learning-focused environment built on collaboration and mutual respect.
• Drive continuous improvement within the Humanitarian Stream, ensuring services align with Circle Green’s strategic priorities and values.
• Supervise the provision of expert legal advice on complex humanitarian and migration law matters, promoting excellence, accountability, and ethical practice.
• Build meaningful partnerships with community organisations, government, and peak bodies to enhance access to justice and support systemic change.
• Engage in law reform and policy advocacy to promote fairness and protect the rights of refugees, people seeking asylum, and other vulnerable groups.
• Ensure adherence to professional standards, funding requirements, and all relevant legislation.
• Oversee resource allocation and reporting across multiple funding streams, ensuring sustainability and transparency.

ABOUT YOU

You are an empathetic and strategic leader who thrives in a purpose-driven environment. You bring professional excellence in humanitarian or migration law, a commitment to justice, and a leadership style grounded in fairness, compassion, and collaboration.

Essential Criteria

• Undergraduate degree in Law.
• At least 7+ years of post-admission experience.
• Unrestricted practising certificate (or ability to obtain prior to commencement).
• Demonstrated expertise in humanitarian, migration, or refugee law.
• Proven experience in leading legal teams and managing complex caseloads.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to think strategically, influence effectively, and act with courage under pressure.

WHY JOIN CIRCLE GREEN?

When you join Circle Green, you become part of a community that believes in fairness, compassion, and collective impact. You will work alongside passionate and skilled professionals who are dedicated to creating a fairer and safer future for all Western Australians.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

If you have any questions or would like a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Human Resources on (08) 6148 3648 or via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Lawyer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Circle Green is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and people with disabilities.

Please note: Shortlisting and interviews may commence immediately. Early applications are encouraged, as the position may close prior to the advertised closing date.