First Nations WLSQ is a specialist legal service who advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women based in Townsville and Palm Island. Fifty percent of our current staff members are First Nations women. We provide legal assistance, advice, court representation and community legal education.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work with and to enforce the rights and interests of First Nations women in regional and remote areas of North Queensland.
We undertake work in civil and administrative areas, including Child Protection, Domestic violence and Family Law. There are opportunities to expand our areas of practice in the future.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Legal Service Practice
- Provide legal information and advice
- Provide legal representation and casework in accordance with First Nations WLSQ casework guidelines.
- Conduct the carriage of legal matters including but not limited to giving legal advice, case conferencing, initiating or defending court action, representing clients in court and instructing Counsel where required.
- Conduct outreach work when required.
- Comply with all Professional Indemnity requirements and Compulsory Professional Development requirements.
- Adhere to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2023.
- Manage client records and files in accordance with the ASCR 2023 and the Community Legal Centres Australia’s Risk Management Guide.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
- First Nations women solicitors encouraged to apply, including early career solicitors
- Solicitors at any stage of their career path from early career to experienced solicitors may apply
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws
- Eligible to hold a Practising Certificate in Queensland.
Knowledge, Skills & Expertise
- Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia
- Capacity to provide quality legal advice and casework
- Experience working with First Nations women preferred
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
- Cultural competency with First Nations women
- Demonstrated ability in the use of current computer technology
- Hold a current, unrestricted Queensland Driver’s Licence
- Hold a current Blue Card or be eligible to obtain same