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Join to apply for the Principal Lawyer (Family) - Cairns role at Queensland Government
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This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced legal professional to play a key role managing the delivery of legal services to communities in the Far North Queensland region. As principal lawyer, you will lead a busy team of legal and administrative staff to provide efficient and effective services to the community including legal information and advice and representation in family and civil cases, including duty lawyer services in the family and civil law courts.
In this unique role you will also represent legally aided clients in family and civil law matters, including child protection cases. You will also have the opportunity to work on high-level law and policy reform submissions, contribute to Legal Aid Queensland's strategic planning process, and provide advice to head office about issues in your community. An important aspect of this role is establishing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders in the justice system to identify legal needs in the community and collaborate to deliver services that help meet those needs. It is a challenging and diverse role that offers a capable professional the chance to utilise their management and community engagement skills, while continuing to provide legal services to clients.
Key Details
* Position is from date of appointment till 6 June 2026 (maternity leave backfill)
The successful candidate will play an integral role in the following:
* Manage and supervise a team of professional and administrative staff including achievement development plans (ADP), provision of training and guidance to develop the skills of the family law team, provision of performance management and feedback, recruitment and other human resource activities.
* Lead, monitor and report on the operational performance of the family law team and ensure compliance with all professional and corporate responsibilities.
* Supervise legal work and develop the legal skills of, train and guide staff within the family law the team, Legal Aid Queensland lawyers state-wide. Provide guidance to external legal practitioners regarding particular cases, Legal Aid Queensland processes and referral pathways.
* Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the justice system and allied sectors, represent the agency at stakeholder meetings and regularly liaise with counterparts from other agencies and organisations.
* Develop and deliver continuing professional development to LAQ staff and preferred suppliers and also contribute to community legal education of external stakeholders to increase awareness of family law, domestic violence and child protection issues.
* Ensure new initiatives and programs are effectively implemented and supported.
* Lead, monitor and report on the operational performance of the family law team and ensure compliance with all professional and corporate responsibilities.
About You
* You have experience in managing and supervising a team of professional and administrative staff including the provision of performance management and feedback, recruitment and other human resource activities.
* You are an experienced leader in delivering legal services and meeting organisational objectives while fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace where health, safety and wellbeing are promoted and prioritised
* You have extensive experience in the conduct of complex family law, domestic and family violence and child protection and related matters including advocacy, preparation for and attendance at final hearing. You inspire others by providing clarity, a sense of purpose and supporting their capability development and are committed to your own professional development both as a leader and as a legal practitioner.
* You have a considered and ethical approach to decision making that is based on your own experience, knowledge of relevant legislation and the policies, procedures and strategic objectives of Legal Aid Queensland. You can manage ambiguity and uncertainty in a fast-paced environment whilst providing guidance to internal and external practitioners regarding family law, domestic and family violence and child protection practice and procedures and related matters
* You represent the office effectively in public forums. You can build and sustain relationships with a network of key people internally and externally.
What We Offer You
* 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
* Generous salary packaging
* 12.75% employer super contributions
* Flexible working hours
* Study leave for approved work-related courses.
* Locality Allowance
If this opportunity sounds right for you, submit a written statement (2 pages) on how you have demonstrated the capabilities outlined in the 'About You' section along with your resume for your chance to make a positive impact and work for a supportive organisation that makes a difference.
Occupational group Justice & Legal
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Legal
* Industries
Government Administration
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