ENCOMPASS LEGAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES – Northam WA
Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre is a part of Encompass Legal and Community Services (ELCS) which is a not‐for‐profit organisation providing vulnerable clients with legal and non‐legal services specific to their needs.
Make a Difference in the Wheatbelt Community!
This is a rare opportunity to join a small, passionate, and supportive team delivering vital legal services across the Wheatbelt region. You'll work closely with the Principal Solicitor and provide advice and support in family law, family violence, minor criminal and civil matters, and criminal injuries compensation. The scope of your responsibilities will be commensurate with your experience.
Why are we different?
WCLC is at the heart of the Wheatbelt community. You'll be supported to grow in areas that interest you—whether that's client advice, outreach, advocacy, or community legal education. We offer early opportunities to develop your skills and autonomy, and believe strongly in work‐life balance, flexibility, and a collaborative team culture.
Living and working in the picturesque town of Northam
Our centre is based in Northam, a thriving country town in the Avon Valley just over an hour from Perth. With a population of around 7,000, Northam offers a welcoming community, modern amenities, and a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by scenic countryside. It's a perfect base for those seeking balance - professional purpose alongside personal space and connection to country.
About the Roles
The roles focus on delivering high‐quality legal advice, referrals, and casework, with less emphasis on court‐based work. You'll work across a broad range of legal areas, including family law, family violence, minor criminal and civil matters, and criminal injuries compensation.
Junior Lawyers will work under supervision, building confidence and competence in a supportive team environment, and may contribute to outreach and community legal education (CLE) programs.
Mid‐level Lawyers will manage their own caseload, support CLE and outreach delivery, and develop relationships with stakeholders across the region.
Senior Lawyers will handle more complex matters, mentor junior colleagues, support the Principal Solicitor, and help lead legal service delivery and CLE efforts.
Outreach to regional communities is a core part of the role and may involve occasional overnight travel. All team members are encouraged to pursue their legal interests and contribute to law reform and systemic advocacy.
These roles are offered as full‐time, fixed‐term contracts for 12 months, with potential for extension.
What we're looking for?
We value legal experience - but more importantly, we're looking for someone who will contribute to our collaborative, community‐focused culture. We're seeking team members who prioritise team cohesion and brings empathy, curiosity, flexibility, and a strong commitment to social justice.
We encourage applicants who meet most of the following:
* Eligible to practise law in Western Australia (restricted practising certificate holders welcome)
* Demonstrated experience in the provision of legal service delivery including representation, casework and advice in community‐based areas of law, specifically the areas of family law, family violence, criminal law, minor civil and criminal injuries compensation.
* Well‐developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and other persons from diverse backgrounds.
* Experience in working collaboratively and effectively within a small team environment as well as with other community service providers.
* Proficiency in the use of MS Office (MS Word, Excel, Outlook) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of Wheatbelt CLC's client database; and
* Successful applicants will also need a satisfactory National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and working rights in Australia.
Competitive salary package
$87,000 - $120,000 per annum including superannuation.
Living‐away‐from‐home allowance in line with ATO guidelines.
Relocation Support
Relocation payment of up to $5000 available.
Generous salary sacrifices provisions
up to $15,900 per annum which can be used for various personal expenses.
Explore the region
as you serve clients across the Wheatbelt
Work‐life balance
with flexible work arrangements
Applications close at the end of business on 3 June 2026, with interviews scheduled for the week commencing 8 June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
EEO Statement
We value a diverse workforce with different life experiences, skills and backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse and people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with your application.
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