Overview
a member of the Family Violence Legal Prevention Service (FVPLS)
Full Time 38 Hours a week
WWLS operates from Broken Hill, NSW, under the auspices of Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland (AFLSQ). As a dedicated unit, WWLS provides legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients on matters including family and domestic violence, sexual assault, and related legal issues, consistent with WWLS’s operational framework and established casework guidelines.
This role seeks a committed, culturally aware professional to deliver services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence. The position involves regular travel across service areas, including Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Ivanhoe, Menindee, Wentworth, Dareton and Balranald.
The Junior Solicitor, reporting to the Principal Solicitor, delivers strategic, reasoned, ethical and compassionate legal services with professional accountability and sound judgment.
Key Responsibilities
* Advice and referrals to clients
* Managing personal caseload of legal and non‑legal matters
* Developing and delivering legal education materials
* Participating in networking activities with the local community and service providers
* Participating in law reform activities
* Working effectively as part of the broader WWLS team
WWLS General Staff Expectations
* Familiarity and application of all relevant policies and procedures
* Clear and effective communication
* All set duties carried out
* Participation in annual performance review
* Effective, professional and supportive working relationships with other staff members
* Respectful, collaborative and constructive contributions to all areas of work
* Utilise development opportunities to improve knowledge and skill base for self and others
* Understanding and adherence to WHS, confidentiality and conflict policies and procedures
Position Expectations
* Admission to practice law in New South Wales as a solicitor.
* Hold a current NSW practising certificate and demonstrate ongoing compliance with professional and ethical obligations.
* Seek candidates with proven NSWCLC or family law practice experience; relevant background and demonstrated expertise is strongly preferred.
* Collaborate respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
* Collaborate respectfully and effectively with clients impacted by domestic, family violence, or sexual assault, ensuring safety and trauma‑informed support.
* Attend and actively engage in relevant cultural and professional development programs regularly.
* Coordinate seamlessly with fellow service providers to deliver integrated, client‑centred support that meets comprehensive needs.
* Collaborate respectfully and effectively with clients who have disabilities or face social and economic disadvantages.
* Demonstrates clear, respectful and effective communication with staff, clients, and external organisations to achieve collaborative outcomes.
* Provide clear, professional advice and representation to clients through telephone, email, and in‑person consultations.
* Design and present comprehensive legal training resources for professionals
* Prepare legal documents, formal letters, and professional correspondence.
* Strong proficiency in English communication and writing.
* Exceptional plain‑language drafting and clear legal communication skills
* Ensure full compliance with all WWLS policies and established procedures.
* Utilise the complete suite of Microsoft Office applications professionally and efficiently.
* Optimise management and utilisation of internal database systems.
* Engage proactively in staff meetings and contribute constructively to event planning initiatives.
* Consistently adhere to deadlines established by the Principal Solicitor.
* Ensure accurate preparation and submission of required court documents with compliance.
* Prioritise caseloads by urgency and strategic importance
* Achieve established individual and organisational targets for legal advice, casework, representation, referrals, and continuing legal education, demonstrating measurable progress and accountability.
* Efficiently manage individual caseloads and ancillary responsibilities to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
* Offer professional legal consultations at office locations and community outreach events.
* Offer professional legal representation and client advocacy services
* Develop specialist legal expertise in designated areas, aligned with the Principal Solicitor’s priorities and the solicitor’s strengths and professional development objectives.
* Ensure continuous adherence to all position requirements, policies, and professional standards at all times.
Selection Criteria
* Possess a tertiary legal qualification and admission as a New South Wales legal practitioner, holding a current practising certificate is preferred.
* Proven expertise delivering comprehensive legal advice, case management, and effective representation.
* Proven capacity to convey legal information clearly and professionally to a diverse community.
* Demonstrates professional awareness and understanding of issues affecting individuals experiencing domestic and family violence and sexual assault, and provides empathetic, respectful support when communicating with this client group in person and by phone.
* Demonstrates strong written and verbal interpersonal communication, including negotiation, mediation, and conflict‑resolution expertise.
* Clearance for Working with Children and Prior National Criminal History Check
* Strong organisational skills, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to respond effectively to changing organisational priorities and requirements.
* Ability to work independently without direct supervision
* Demonstrated commitment to social justice and to supporting individuals facing economic, social, or cultural disadvantage, including addressing barriers that limit their access to justice.
* Demonstrates awareness of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; builds and sustains respectful relationships, collaborates effectively with local ATSI communities, clients and support organisations to achieve positive outcomes.
* Ability to create and present accessible community legal education resources for local groups and support workers.
* Advocate for social justice with demonstrated ability to engage constructively in law reform initiatives.
* Understanding and articulating the role of Family Violence Prevention Legal Services professionally and accurately.
* Demonstrates proficient operation within electronic environments, including effective utilisation of databases and Microsoft Office applications.
* Proficient time management and prioritisation abilities.
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