Sussex Street Community Law Service – Perth WA
This is a job for lawyers who are sick of being lawyers
Scroll on if you want to do things the way they've always been done. At Sussex Street, we are interested in something different.
The justice system is full of good intentions, but anyone who has worked inside it knows the truth: too often, it isn't working well for the people who need it most.
We are building a team of lawyers who are willing to ask harder questions:
Are we actually helping?
Is the system making things better or worse?
What would it look like to practice law in a way that genuinely improves people's lives?
If you are the kind of lawyer who is curious about doing justice differently, who is willing to challenge assumptions, and who believes law can be practiced in smarter, more human ways, then you might belong here.
We are entering a new phase following our merger with Palmerston Association, bringing together legal services, health, and social support through our Health Justice Partnership. This creates new opportunities to tackle the complex, messy problems that sit at the intersection of law, family violence, substance use, and social disadvantage.
We are looking for lawyers who thrive in environments that are evolving, who are comfortable trying new approaches, and who want to help reshape how legal services are delivered.
If that sounds like you, we would love to talk.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a lawyer to join our specialist Respondents Service, an evidence-based program working with respondents to restraining orders and users of violence.
This work focuses on early intervention with people who have used family violence. Our aim is simple: to help stop the behaviour before it escalates and to improve safety for victim-survivors and children.
We believe part of creating safer families is working directly with the person responsible for the harm, helping them understand the impact of their behaviour, take responsibility, and make better decisions. In many cases, where parents continue to co-parent after separation, this work can help reduce conflict and create safer, more stable relationships for children.
The role includes:
* Duty lawyer services in the Magistrates Court and Family Court
* Shuttle mediations and negotiations
* Early intervention advice on restraining orders and family law parenting matters
* Participation in Restore and REACH (Responsible Engagement and Co-Parenting Hub), which focuses on education, accountability, and de-escalation
* Delivery of community legal education
You will work within a specialist team of lawyers, paralegals, and administrative staff, and as part of a broader organisation delivering services across three sites.
About you
We welcome applications from senior lawyers, junior lawyers, and restricted practitioners. What matters most to us is not how many years you have been practising, but how you think about justice and the role lawyers can play in making systems better.
If you read the opening of this ad and thought "yes, that's exactly how I see the work", we want to hear from you.
You might be someone who:
* believes the justice system can do better
* is curious about new approaches to complex social problems
* is comfortable working in environments that are evolving and improving
* wants to be part of a team that asks itself, regularly, are we actually helping our clients?
The following experience is useful, but not essential:
* Civil law (restraining orders)
* Family law (parenting matters)
* Court appearances and duty lawyer services
* Mediation or shuttle negotiations
* Minor criminal law advice
* Family and domestic violence practice
You might already have experience in these areas, or you might be keen to develop it. Either way, if you bring curiosity, sound judgement, and a commitment to doing this work well, we can help you build the rest.
Similarly, familiarity with frameworks such as non-collusive practice, Safe & Together, MARAM, or similar is valuable but not required. Training will be provided.
What we are really looking for is someone who is a great cultural fit for a team that wants to practise law thoughtfully, collaboratively, and sometimes differently to the way it has always been done.
You will also bring:
* Strong organisational and communication skills
* The ability to work with sensitivity, care, and confidentiality
* Confidence working with clients experiencing complexity and vulnerability
* Competency in Microsoft Office (Actionstep and SharePoint experience is an advantage)
WHY WORK WITH US?
We know this work is demanding, and we are committed to creating a workplace where lawyers can do meaningful work without burning out.
Sussex Street is in a period of renewal - we are intentionally rebuilding our team and culture so that people can do their best work and feel supported while doing it.
We offer:
* Salary packaging
* Flexible work arrangements (including part-time and job-share)
* A supportive and collaborative team culture
* Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development
* Professional Development planning and training opportunities
* Regular facilitated clinical debriefing for legal staff
* Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and system change
* A range of leave availabilities including paid parental leave, cultural leave, gender affirmation leave, life leave and FDV leave as well as early access to long service leave (after 5 years)
If you are excited by the idea of doing justice differently, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply via the "Apply Now" button.
Sussex Street values diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.
We prefer direct applications and will contact recruitment agencies if required.
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