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

We are looking for a solicitor with a passion for advocacy and social justice.

You must understand and be committed to the principles of holistic, trauma informed and culturally safe legal practice; have strong emotional resilience and excellent interpersonal skills.

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. Legal services include family law, family and domestic violence, tenancy, criminal, criminal injuries compensation, fines and fines enforcement, traffic matters, humanitarian migration issues and other civil matters.

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

The Position

As the FVU Senior Solicitor, you will lead a small multi-disciplinary team including family and domestic violence solicitors, admin/paralegal, 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 primary focus of the role is the provision of legal information, advice and representation to women at high risk of harm due to family and domestic violence. You will work closely with social workers, support workers and other services to provide holistic and wraparound services for clients.

About the SCALES Family Violence Unit

SCALES Family Violence Unit is based at our Rockingham office working with and alongside the staff of the broader community legal practice and services.

The role includes:

• Being the team leader for the family violence service
• Direct client services in family and other law including drafting court documents and representation
• Working collaboratively to meet the client’s legal and non-legal needs. For example, family law, family violence restraining orders, criminal injuries compensation, tenancy (private and social housing), criminal law and other civil matters.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of the FVU service delivery including representation, casework and advice
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Supervision of staff including junior solicitors, advocates and volunteers
• 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, an unrestricted current practicing certificate in WA
• At least 3 years post admission experience in Family Law or Civil Law (Restraining Orders) and a willingness to practice in other areas

• Demonstrated experience in providing high quality legal advice, casework and representation services
• 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 practice 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) although part time applications will be considered for the right candidate.

Remuneration package including salary in the range of $105,000 to $116,000 and employer funded superannuation, with additional above award benefits including paid leave during Christmas period shutdown, Legal Practice Certificate paid, annual leave loading, CPD training and a flexible workplace. Conditions under the SCHADS Industry Award (MA 000100) at Level 7 dependent on experience 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: Senior Solicitor, Family Violence Unit enquiry via EthicalJobs

A position description is attached.