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Family Law Solicitor - Family Violence Unit

SCALES Community Legal Centre

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 community.

A unique opportunity exists within our centre for an experienced family law solicitor to lead our specialist Family Violence Unit (FVU).

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

The role will provide a leadership role in the Family Violence Unit 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:

  • Managing the Family Violence Unit;
  • Direct client services in family law, including drafting court documents and some representation;
  • Working collaboratively with the client advocate, lawyers, financial counsellor and counsellor 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 the legal practice, including ensuring professional indemnity obligations are met;
  • Supervision of staff, including junior solicitors and advocates;
  • The development and implementation of community legal education programs relevant to women experiencing family violence.

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;
  • High level of skill in legal research and analysis with a particular focus on problem solving;
  • 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;
  • Management or team leader experience;
  • Supervising and mentoring experience.

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.

Remuneration and benefits

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

Remuneration package includes salary and salary packaging. Conditions under the SCHADS Industry Award (MA 000100) paid at Level 7 to 8 dependent on experience. Additional benefits include paid leave during Christmas period shutdown, Legal Practice Certificate paid and a flexible workplace.

The position is funded to 30 June 2022 and there is a probation period, however there may be longer term opportunities subject to funding.

While there is currently no closing date for this position, applications will be processed from Monday 20 December. Start date is as soon as possible.

Please provide a statement addressing the selection criteria.

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.

A position description is attached.

How to apply

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