Applications close 26 August.
- Temporary Maternity Leave Position-12 Months
Based in Cairns, the Principal Solicitor is responsible for driving the strategic direction of our legal and non-legal teams providing advice and casework services across a diverse range of funded programs including Cairns Seniors Legal & Support Service, Seniors Legal & Social Support Services – Cape York & Torres Strait, Mental Health Legal Service, and Mental Health Review Tribunal Service. As a member of the Executive team, and reporting to the CEO, you will:
- Lead complex, high-impact casework and strategic litigation
- Provide legal supervision and mentoring to staff solicitors, social workers and non-legal staff and volunteers
- As the Responsible Person, operate in an environment of continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with all professional and regulatory obligations including the Risk Management Guide
- Identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities for growth aligned with our strategic goals
- Build and maintain a positive, respectful, and high-performing team culture
- Participate in collaborative decision making with other senior leaders
- Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders including our funders, government departments, the private and community legal sectors
- Oversee and contribute to law reform, community legal education, systemic advocacy, and project development in a way that promotes our vision, mission, and values.
The Person
The ability to consider your work through the lens of client impact is essential. You will be eligible to hold an unrestricted Practicing Certificate and have relevant post-admission experience including complex litigation and people management (preferably 3+ years).
- Current eligibility for Blue and Yellow Cards (mandatory criminal history screening)
- Experience in risk management, compliance and quality assurance in legal practice
- Experience in legal strategy, stakeholder engagement, and program development
- An adaptable, accountable, strong, and collaborative leadership style
- Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centred practice
- Ability to travel within the region as required to outreach clinics.
You will also hold (or be able to hold within an agreed timeframe) a full Queensland driver’s licence.