• Join a Not-For-Profit organisation making a difference in the community
• 4 days per week, but will consider applicants looking for full-time
• Generous leave options and salary packaging available

The Family Lawyer works as part of an integrated multi-function team working across a number of different practice areas.

Our client Barwon Community Legal Service is a community legal centre that provides free legal information, advice, and casework to members of the local community, with a culture of supportiveness, positive change, integrity and empathy. The successful applicant will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in family law, ideally in a community legal service environment. They will have an understanding of trauma informed practice, and knowledge on a broad range of legal matters.

What you will do:

This position will be working in various areas of the legal practice, but will be focused in the area of family law in the context of family violence. As well as appearances in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in family law matters, duties will include working as duty lawyer in the Family Violence jurisdiction of the Geelong or Colac Magistrates Courts. This position will assist in the delivery of a holistic legal service to the community and to vulnerable clients, especially those who have experienced family violence.

This role is responsible for:

• Provide legal advice and representation in complex family law property and parenting matters in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and act as duty lawyer in family violence matters in the Geelong and Colac Magistrates Courts.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, financial counsellors and other staff to deliver holistic, client-centred legal services and referrals with an aim to support long term housing and financial stability for victim-survivors of family violence
• Contribute to community legal education, law reform, and advocacy initiatives to support people experiencing disadvantage.
• Support the supervision of legal students or trainees and participate in outreach, program development, and service improvement initiatives.
• Maintain high standards of legal practice, including file management, compliance with professional obligations, and contribution to legal team discussions and service planning.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Relevant qualifications and accreditation: Admitted (or eligible) to practice as a lawyer in Victoria, with a current practising certificate and a valid driver’s licence.
• Experience in Family Law and Family Violence matters: At least 4 years post-admission experience, including 2 years managing Family Law cases and court advocacy.
• Commitment to social justice and trauma-informed practice: Demonstrated understanding of working with clients affected by family violence, with empathy and sensitivity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Able to manage difficult conversations, build trust with vulnerable clients, and work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to manage competing demands: Organisation, self-motivation and ability to maintain high-quality legal work under pressure.

What we are looking for:

• A client-focused legal practitioner who can provide holistic legal support and work collaboratively with social workers, financial counsellors and other support staff.
• An experienced court advocate who is confident in representing clients in both Family Law and Family Violence matters.
• A team player with a community mindset who is willing to participate in outreach, legal education, law reform and community development initiatives.
• A contributor to legal service improvement engaged in continuous service development, professional growth and mentoring of students or junior staff.
• Someone aligned with the organisation’s values, passionate about advancing social justice, addressing disadvantage and supporting systemic change.

If you would like more information about this exciting role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Family Lawyer - Barwon Community Legal Service enquiry via EthicalJobs.