• Rockingham

A unique opportunity exists within our centre for a dedicated lawyer to join our Family Violence Unit (FVU) in September 2026. This role focuses on delivering vital legal services to women, including Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVROs), as well as some criminal and family law matters (depending on experience). Court advocacy experience is highly desirable.

• Tenure: 0.6 FTE, 12-month fixed-term contract (Parental Leave Cover)

What Makes Us Different?

SCALES Community Legal Centre is a not-for-profit incorporated association based in Rockingham. We provide a range of free legal services to the south coastal metropolitan region, including Kwinana and Rockingham. In partnership with Murdoch University, SCALES also hosts the Student Law Clinic. Our legal services span family law, family and domestic violence, tenancy, criminal law, criminal injuries compensation, traffic matters, fines enforcement, humanitarian migration issues, and civil matters.

The FVU provides intensive, trauma-informed, and culturally safe legal and non-legal support exclusively for women experiencing family and domestic violence, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable and at risk. Our holistic approach recognises the complex challenges our clients face, working alongside them to support safety, stability, and access to justice.

What Will You Be Doing?

The primary focus of this role is providing legal information, advice, and representation to SCALES clients, specifically women who are at high risk of harm due to family and domestic violence. You will work closely with SCALES social worker, financial counsellor, and external services to provide wraparound, holistic support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal representation, casework, and advice.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and implement community legal education programs tailored to women experiencing family violence.

What We Are Looking For

• A current Western Australian practising certificate.
• At least 1 year of post-admission experience, preferably in civil law and advocacy, with a willingness to practise across related areas.
• Demonstrated experience in providing high-quality legal advice, casework, and court representation.
• A strong commitment to social justice principles and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with women affected by family and domestic violence.
• Well-developed oral and written communication, research, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound digital literacy with the ability to efficiently prepare reports, court documents, and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
• The capacity to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Why Work With Us?

• Salary: $104,467.81 – $109,198.25 per annum (pro-rata for 0.6 FTE) + superannuation.
• Attractive Salary Packaging: Up to $15,900 per annum in tax-free benefits to increase your take-home pay.
• Wellbeing & Leave: Paid leave over our Christmas shutdown period, annual leave loading, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional Growth: Ongoing support for professional development, including full coverage of your practising certificate costs.
• Work-Life Balance: A supportive, flexible part-time working environment (0.6 FTE).

For a confidential discussion or to request a candidate information pack, please contact David Kernohan on 08 9550 0400 or via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Lawyer - Family Violence Unit enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.