Solicitor – Criminal Law Opportunity
Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child safety matters, financial abuse legal protection and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program. The Service is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman:
* Is safe from violence;
* Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and
* Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.
This role is responsible for undertaking direct client services to WLSQ clients in criminal law matters working with a team of paralegals and solicitors as part of the Criminal Law team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Undertake the delivery of WLSQ legal services as a member of the Criminal Law team:
- Provide legal advice, case work and representation in the areas of criminal law.
- Represent clients in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts as a solicitor advocate or briefing counsel where appropriate.
- Provide services to women through a trauma informed practice framework.
- Undertake the provision of legal services in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the legal professional and the mandatory requirements under the National - Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.
- To work collaboratively with the Criminal Law team to provide specialist Counselling Notes Protect services including case management support to vulnerable women who have experienced sexual violence, including:
* Representing victims of sexual assault, including providing advice, file management and advocacy in criminal law matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme court in response to applications to subpoena and otherwise use records which are or could be 'protected counselling communications'.
* Providing legal information and advice about the application and procedure of the sexual assault counselling privilege, to clients, sexual violence prevention services and other relevant services and agencies.
* Providing legal information and advice about broader sexual violence legal issues for clients such as sexual violence criminal proceedings in general and engaged in law reform as informed by the lived experience and feedback of the services and clients who use the CNP service.
- Advise the Supervising Solicitor and Practice Director on issues relating to operational and/or legal risk.
- Work collaboratively with WLSQ social workers and other staff to provide legal information and guidance and to consult with other staff to provide appropriate non-legal referrals as required.
- Ensure risk assessment and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in legal work undertaken providing support, information and advice to clients experiencing domestic violence.
- Liaise with external agencies and make client referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and law reform activities of WLSQ as required
- Foster a collaborative team culture for staff and volunteers which is professional, productive and supportive and consistent with the WLSQ Values and feminist principles.
- Any other tasks as requested by the Supervising Solicitor and/or Practice Director.
SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:
1. Admission as a Solicitor and a minimum of 2 years’ post admission experience in criminal law.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and legal practice experience in criminal law, including drafting relevant documents and management of files is required. Experience in domestic violence law is desirable.
3. Experience in the conduct of legal matters, ideally including criminal law matters, including providing advice, preparation, representation and advocacy.
4. Knowledge of the practice and procedure of the law as it relates to both offenders and victims of crime, particularly in relation to issues of sexual violence and criminal law.
5. High level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who experience domestic violence.
6. Ability to communicate effectively and work sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds including vulnerable clients including those:
* Who may have experienced domestic violence and/or trauma;
* With a disability;
* From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and/or
* From Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
7. A high level of knowledge of referrals both legal and non-legal that are appropriate for women who have experienced sexual violence, and/or have experienced domestic and family violence.
8. Well-developed relationship management and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of audiences and stakeholders internal and external to WLSQ with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
9. Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of community legal education to a range of stakeholders.
10. Sound knowledge and understanding of legal and social issues affecting women, particularly the gendered nature of domestic violence.
11. Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WLSQ and an ability to work within a feminist framework.
12. It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
Successful applicants will be required to complete a National Police Check.
REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay.
Remuneration package: from $110,103 plus super and Attractive salary sacrifice options.
Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.
Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.
Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.
Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.
On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace
APPLY NOW!
To apply for this position, click on 'apply' and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.