POSITION OVERVIEW

This unrestricted solicitor position will work with vulnerable women to manage their legal issues across a diverse range of legal areas to ensure the client’s needs are met through direct client case work, advocacy and referral using a case management model.

Legal issues will be predominantly in the civil law with some minor criminal law matters with potential practice areas including tenancy, traffic, fines and fines enforcement, Centrelink and debt, criminal injuries compensation, Magistrates Court (Civil jurisdiction) matters within SCALES’ areas of practice (as per the Legal Practice Guidelines).

The new position is funded to provide general legal services within SCALES’ areas of practice to vulnerable women and to develop resources and present community legal education in areas of identified need. While advertised as a full time position, applications to work part time will be considered.

ABOUT SCALES

SCALES is a not for profit community legal centre providing free legal services to the south coastal metropolitan region of Kwinana and Rockingham. SCALES hosts the Murdoch University Student Law Clinic operating from offices in Rockingham and Murdoch University.

Areas of practice include tenancy, family law, family and domestic violence issues, criminal, traffic, fines enforcement, criminal injuries compensation, debt and civil matters.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

1. Holds or is eligible to hold a current unrestricted Western Australian practising certificate.
2. Post admission or other experience in at least one of SCALES’ areas of practice.
3. Demonstrated advocacy skills.
4. Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
5. Ability to organise a daily workload by priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast paced, quickly changing environment and to work independently.
6. Understanding of the social and economic context adversely impacting women, including gender inequality, homelessness, and poverty.
7. Ability to work constructively and collaboratively in a team environment using a case management model.
8. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
9. Computer or keyboard skills and demonstrated competence to use products from the Microsoft Office 365 Suite.

Highly Desirable

1. Experience in working with women facing disadvantage, including demonstrated ability to work with, and have an understanding of, the cultural and safety needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
2. Two years post admission experience in a relevant area of practice.
3. Experience in coordinating or presenting community legal education.
4. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and SCALES’ values.
5. Experience in a community legal setting.

CONDITIONS and SALARY

Conditions of employment are those of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, classification level 5 - 7 depending on skills and experience.

Employment will be subject to a 6 month probation period.

In addition to the opportunity to join a great team, we offer flexible working conditions, employee assistance program and the opportunity to salary sacrifice.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the position, please contact Gai Walker, Managing Director on her direct line 08 9550 0410 or by email [email protected], using the subject line: Vulnerable Women Solicitor - Unrestricted enquiry via EthicalJobs.