Senior Solicitor in Adelaide

Are you a legal practitioner with 5+ years PQE seeking a role in a dynamic fast-paced environment? Women’s Legal Service (SA) promote a collaborative work environment and as such, some file work and support to the legal team and support services team may be required from time to time, including basic court attendances and file work.

About us: Women’s Legal Service (SA) (“WLSSA”) is a state-wide Community Legal Centre that provides legal advice and representation to vulnerable women living in South Australia.

• Legal Service – Family Law; Child Protection; Immigration Civil and Debt; Intervention Orders; Minor criminal law; and Victims of Crime
• Legal Advocacy – we advocate on behalf of women on various topics, contribute to legislation reforms, participate in discussions relating to changes in policy, and are often considered a valuable resource for Government looking to implement change in legislation.
• Legal Education – we provide free community legal education in all practice areas described above, to stakeholders, community groups and at various events.

Employees are currently covered by the Social Communities Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. We currently offer competitive pay rates and Salary Packaging benefits, including a tax-free amount of up to $15,900 per annum and an additional $2,650 per annum. Salary will be offered in accordance with experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

Working closely with the Junior & Mid-Tier Lawyers and supporting the Director of Legal Services, the successful candidate will:

• Provide information and legal advice to women who do not have a solicitor.
• Occasionally provide casework assistance and representation in accordance with relevant practice area.
• Be able and willing to travel to rural, regional and remote locations across South Australia (with own driver’s license - essential) and interstate as required.
• Attend training and conferences.
• Occasionally prepare and deliver Community Legal Education to community, stakeholders and to the profession.
• Support colleagues and the legal team in other matters where necessary.
• Attend and participate in strategic planning and evaluation days, staff meetings, and other communication networks, including provision of feedback to the Senior Management Team in relation to community demand.
• Travel to WLSSA regional office in Mount Gambier and Port Augusta to support the team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will have:

• A tertiary legal qualification and the ability to obtain an unrestricted practicing certificate with more than five years post admission experience in the relevant areas of practice.
• High-level written and oral communication skills for effective advocacy and negotiation, particularly with clients experiencing trauma and high levels of stress.
• Maintain confidential client records and files in a precise, accurate and timely manner.
• Occasionally represent clients in courts, at mediation and tribunals if relevant.
• Management of moderate to high levels of client files and casework demands including management of competing obligations.
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and multidisciplinary services, particularly working with clients that have experienced domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault.
• Experience working with vulnerable groups of women including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women, and women living with disabilities and trauma.
• Working in partnership with other organisations, in a team environment and contributing to a positive and productive team culture.
• In conjunction with other staff and volunteers, assist in the policy and law reform of the WLSSA including the preparation of submissions, reports and commentaries in those areas of relevance to women.
• Commitment and passion in achieving justice for women.
• A current Australian driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel on occasion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.