SCALES Community Legal Centre's logo

Family Law Solicitor - Family Violence Unit

SCALES Community Legal Centre

A unique opportunity exists within our centre for an experienced family lawyer to work in our specialist Family Violence Unit (FVU).

About SCALES

SCALES Community Legal Centre is a not for profit incorporated association based in Rockingham providing a range of free legal services to the south coastal metropolitan region of Kwinana and Rockingham. SCALES partners with Murdoch University to host the Student Law Clinic.

The FVU is funded by the Commonwealth Government as part of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

This role will work closely with a small professional team including a family and domestic violence solicitor, admin officer, client advocate, financial counsellor and counsellor while ensuring that the objectives of the funding grant are achieved through the following outcomes:

  • Wrap-around, intensive legal and non-legal support delivered and targeted to women affected by family and domestic violence with the greatest need
  • Legal services appropriate, proportionate and tailored to each woman’s individual needs
  • Empowering and supporting women to take action to protect themselves and their children
  • Developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with other legal and non-legal service providers to holistically address women’s legal and related problems.

The focus of the service is on providing intensive, trauma informed, legal and non-legal assistance, targeting the most vulnerable and at-risk women affected by family and domestic violence.

About the Position

The role is located within our legal practice and will be based in Rockingham.

The role includes:

  • Direct client services in family law, including drafting court documents and some representation
  • Working collaboratively to meet the client’s other legal and non-legal needs. For example, family violence restraining orders, criminal injuries compensation, tenancy (private and social housing), criminal law and other civil matters.
  • Key responsibilities
  • All aspects of legal service delivery including representation, casework and advice
  • Ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Supervision of staff including junior solicitors, advocates and volunteers
  • The development and implementation of community legal education programs relevant to women experiencing family violence.

Applicants should address selection criteria, those who have not addressed the selection criteria will not be offered an interview.

Essential requirements of this position

  • Holds, or is eligible to hold, a current practising certificate in WA
  • Demonstrated experience in providing high quality legal advice, casework and representation services in the area of family law (parenting and financial)
  • A strong commitment to social justice principles
  • Demonstrated knowledge or experience working with women affected by family violence
  • The capacity to work effectively, independently and collaboratively
  • Well-developed oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Well-developed legal research skills
  • Sound computer skills and ability to prepare reports, court documents, and letters
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal women and women from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Desirable

  • An understanding of and commitment to the work of community legal centres
  • Supervising and mentoring experience
  • Knowledge and experience in restraining order matters
  • Unrestricted practise certificate.

Personal Attributes

  • Ability to take initiative and accept responsibility
  • High ethical standards and values, and ability to act with integrity and confidentiality
  • Team player able to engage people, problem solve and achieve results
  • Exhibits cultural competency
  • Energy and enthusiasm
  • Resilience (as you will be dealing with sensitive and confronting material)
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Trauma informed
  • Lateral thinker.

Remuneration and benefits

This role is a full time position (37.5 hours per week).

Remuneration package including salary and salary packaging in the range of $105,000 to $120,000 with additional benefits including paid leave during Christmas period shutdown, Legal Practice Certificate paid, CPD training and a flexible workplace. Conditions under the SCHADS Industry Award (MA 000100) at Level 6 to 7 dependent on experience.

Applicants should address selection criteria, those who have not addressed the selection criteria will not be offered an interview.

The position is funded through a contract with the Department of Justice to 30 June 2025 and there is a probation period.

While there is currently no closing date for this position, applications will be processed on receipt with a start date is as soon as possible.

Enquiries about the position should be directed to Gai Walker on 08 9550 0410 or [email protected] using the subject line: Family Law Solicitor - Family Violence Unit enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Submit your application via the Apply Now link below. 

Please refer to the below attachments prior to submission.

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.

Email me more jobs like this.

Daily