ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

Western NSW Community Legal Centre (WNSWCLC) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing accessible legal services to individuals experiencing disadvantage in the western regions of New South Wales. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice for all community members by offering free legal advice, referrals, community legal education, representation, and practical support.

Headquartered in Dubbo, WNSWCLC extends its services through regular outreach to numerous communities, including Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lightning Ridge, Macquarie Correctional Centre, Mudgee, Narromine, Nyngan, Warren, Walgett, Wellington, and Wellington Correctional Centre.

The Western Women’s Legal Support (WWLS) is a cornerstone of our services; a specialist domestic violence unit launched in 2015. WWLS provides a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate service to women and their children, assisting them in escaping the cycle of abuse through specialist legal help, practical support, and community education.

WNSWCLC also engages in community legal education to inform individuals about their legal rights and responsibilities, and participates in law reform activities to address systemic issues affecting our clients.

We advise using compassion, understanding, and a nonjudgmental approach. We ensure that clients are supported in a manner that acknowledges their personal circumstances and empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position reports directly to the Principal Solicitor and involves delivering legal and related services that contribute to the organisation's day-to-day operations. Its primary focus is family law, domestic and family violence, and general legal matters. You will provide legal information, advice, representation, and referrals, ensuring clients receive high-quality, accessible support.

The role includes developing and delivering community legal education programs to inform and empower people living in rural and remote areas. Additionally, you will be able to engage in law reform activities to address systemic issues impacting our communities.

You will play a vital role in assisting victims of family and domestic violence and providing family law support to parents and other relevant family members. The solicitor works closely with a team of dedicated legal and non-legal staff, contributing to a collaborative and respectful workplace culture.

A core aspect of the role is adopting a whole-of-person approach when working with clients. This means being sensitive to each client’s personal circumstances and vulnerabilities while remaining mindful, respectful, and nonjudgmental. Clients are encouraged to bring support people with them to appointments, and wherever possible, re-traumatisation is to be avoided. It is essential that clients feel empowered to have a voice in the process and maintain control over decision-making.

While identifying and addressing legal issues is central to the role, it must be done within the context of allowing clients to share their stories without fear of judgment. Where possible, clients should never feel rushed. The solicitor will ensure that all legal advice is communicated in clear, simple language and will remain attentive to identifying any non-legal issues that may require additional support, whether through internal services or external referrals.

ABOUT YOU

You will have demonstrated knowledge of the law and legal processes, ideally with experience providing legal services to people experiencing disadvantage and/or trauma, and a strong commitment to social justice.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a criminal history check before commencement of employment.

Why join us

• Engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of individuals in need.
• Be part of a supportive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
• Access opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Contribute to systemic change through involvement in law reform and community legal education.

For more details on the role, download the Position Application Package on our website www.wnswclc.org.au

Application close: Open until the position is filled

If you have enquiries or want to have a confidential discussion about the position, contact the Principal Solicitor, Patrick O’Callaghan or Trevor Mvundura, Executive Officer at [email protected] using the subject line: Family Law / Family Violence Solicitor - Dubbo enquiry via EthicalJobs or call (02) 6884 9422.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The position description is attached below.