• Senior Lawyer - Northam
• Full time
• $106,389 – $111,092 per year plus super and generous benefits
• Make a Difference in the Wheatbelt Community!

Are you a purpose-driven Senior Lawyer looking for a role where you can make a real difference? Join a close-knit, supportive and driven team at the Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre (WCLC)! In this role, you’ll have the rare opportunity to apply your legal expertise with purpose—leading complex matters, mentoring junior staff and developing key relationships with our community and surrounding areas.

Why are we different?

WCLC is at the heart of the community. We provide free legal advice, representation, and advocacy to people experiencing disadvantage living across the Wheatbelt. We are dedicated to empowering people in our community and delivering quality and accessible legal services to the Wheatbelt community.

And to support the great work we do, work-life balance is of paramount importance – and is at our core.

The Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is located in picturesque town of Northam

Imagine waking up to rolling countryside views, enjoying a strong sense of community, on the doorstep of Perth. Northam offers the best of both worlds – a relaxed, country-town atmosphere with modern amenities and a supportive legal network.

Northam is the largest inland town in Western Australia, situated in the picturesque Avon Valley. Home to approximately 7,000 people, Northam offers a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a vibrant community spirit. The town is rich in cultural heritage, with various recreational facilities, scenic parks, and heritage sites.

Northam has a relaxed, country-town atmosphere with all the conveniences of a larger town. It has a strong sense of community, active local events, and numerous sports and recreation facilities. The town provides a balanced lifestyle with rural and urban benefits, making it an attractive place for professionals and families.

About the Role

As a Senior Lawyer you will report to the Principal Solicitor and:

• In accordance with the WCLC’s Strategic and operational plans coordinate and manage the provision of professional, high quality legal advice referrals, casework assistance and representation to clients in areas of family law, family violence matters, minor criminal, civil and criminal injuries compensation matters.
• Follow the direction of the Principal Solicitor on all aspects of the legal practice and work with them to ensure that all legal work undertaken by WCLC complies with the requirements of the Legal Profession Act 2008, Legal Profession Conduct Rules WA 2010, Professional Indemnity Insurance requirements and Wheatbelt CLC’s policies and practice standards.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and provide mentoring, support and guidance.
• Participates in team meetings, planning and development discussions, evaluations, supervision sessions and review activities including to lead these activities where required in the context of your role.
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional development programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Community
• Undertake and develop delivery of the Outreach and Community Legal Education (CLE) Programs to regional hubs of the Wheatbelt, including delivering services to the magistrate’s court, support and services to local residents, and supporting other staff and volunteers with CLE activities (may include overnight stays on occasion).
• Maintain and facilitate WCLC’s role within the community and public profile through the preparation of media releases and articles, presentation at meetings, seminars and conferences, and represent WCLC in public forums
• Develop strong relationships with community organisations with whom WCLC interacts and the community providing guidance and leadership to Wheatbelt community/stakeholders
• Maintain effective file and diary management systems, administrative systems and procedures and quality assurance procedures as well as maintain statistics and other records required by funding bodies
• Provide any other support required for the team, utilising your capability and capacity.

What we’re looking for?

Your unique strengths and experiences are what we value most.

We are searching for individuals who can meet most of the following:

• Hold an unrestricted legal practice certificate in Western Australia.
• Demonstrated 5+ years’ experience in the provision of all aspects of legal service delivery including representation, casework and advice in community-based areas of law, specifically the areas of family law, family violence, criminal law, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and other persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in working collaboratively and effectively within a small team environment as well as with other community service providers.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) in a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of WCLC’s client database.
• Current driver’s licence.

Successful applicants will also need a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and working rights in Australia.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary package: $106,389 – $111,092 per annum plus superannuation.
• Relocation Support Relocation payment of up to $5000 available.
• Housing Support Shared employee housing may be available for the first 6 months of your appointment with possible extensions, subject to discussion.
• Generous salary sacrifices provisions up to $15,900 per annum which can be used for various personal expenses.
• Explore the region as you serve clients across the Wheatbelt.
• Work-life balance with flexible work arrangements.

Early applications are strongly encouraged as interviews may commence prior to the closing date.

A candidate information pack is attached.