Migration Solicitor Opportunity

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child safety matters, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. WLSQ is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman:

• Is safe from violence;
• Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems

WLSQ is participating in a pilot program supporting women on temporary visas who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

Through this program, family law and immigration legal support is provided to women who are eligible for the pilot.

This contract role is responsible for undertaking direct legal services and conducting complex migration matters for women within the Temporary Visa Pilot Program (TVPP) team.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Key Responsibilities:

Undertake the delivery of migration legal services as a member of the TVPP team:

• Provide high quality legal advice, case work and representation in the area of migration law to women who hold a temporary visa (including bridging visa or no visa), who are experiencing domestic and family violence and are financially disadvantaged.
• Represent clients in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia, Magistrates Court and Children's Court as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate.
• Prioritise eligibility for the services of the domestic violence unit by reference to WLSQ policy, including priority access for women who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or of a Culturally or Linguistically Diverse background or have a disability (priority access groups).
• Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
• Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice according to the Risk Management Guide.
• To work collaboratively with TVPP Staff to provide case management support to vulnerable women experiencing domestic violence, including:

• Providing holistic services to TVPP clients , taking into account the legal and social needs of the client while supporting her to obtain safety from domestic violence.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder engagement with key agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
• Advise the Team Leader and Practice Director on issues relating to operational and/or legal risk.
• Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal referrals as required.
• Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
• Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required.
• Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Team Leader and/or Practice Director.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Eligibility to hold an Unrestricted Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and a minimum of 4 years’ post admission experience in migration law is a requirement.
• Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in migration law is required, including drafting relevant court documents, advice and appearance work and management of files is required. Experience in family law and domestic violence, child protection and child support are desirable.
• Demonstrated technical competence in the area of migration law and refugee law, including protection visa matters.
• Experience in advocacy with the Department of Home Affairs and at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
• Experience in litigation and court advocacy in the Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia, Magistrates Court and Children's Court.
• A high level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence and migration law matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients including those:
  • Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
  • With a disability;
  • From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
  • From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
• It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to having a meaningful and rewarding career, you will receive:

• An attractive remuneration package from $93,860 to 98,108 plus super.
• Generous leave entitlements with additional paid leave over Christmas and New Year.
• Attractive salary sacrifice options.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click 'Apply Now' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.