Senior Supervising Lawyer
About Ruah
Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia's community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.
Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA's biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.
By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.
Ruah Legal Services specialises in the provision of end-to-end legal representation with integrated psycho-social support. Ruah Legal Services trades as the Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) for the provision of legal services to clients experiencing severe mental illness. Key practice areas include the Mental Health Act, Criminal Law, Care and Protection, and Guardianship and Administration Act matters. Ruah Legal Services also provides legal assistances to victim-survivors of sexual assault through the SALSWA project, and to women experiencing family and domestic violence through Ruah Community Services programs.
About the Role
The Senior Supervising Lawyer has is a key leadership role in the practice, working in conjunction with the Principal Solicitor to oversee the provision of legal information, advice, and representation. The primary focus of the role is the supervision and management of lawyers. In addition, the Senior Supervising Lawyer will carry a small caseload of more complex matters. The role requires an experienced lawyer with a passion for integrated legal practice and staff supervision.
This is a full-time max-term position until 30 September 2026.
What we're looking for
The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:
* Be admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
* At least 5 years post admission experience in Family Law, Civil Law (Restraining Orders) or Care and Protection Law, and a willingness to practice in other areas including Administrative Law (Mental Health Tribunal).
* Demonstrated competence in advocacy before Tribunals and Courts.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to engage respectfully and effectively with clients experiencing complex trauma and other circumstances of vulnerability.
* High level written and oral communication and presentation skills.
* Negotiation and conflict resolution skills to manage workplace issues.
* Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks.
* Excellent communication skills and ability to work co-operatively.
* Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation.
The following criteria are considered desirable, but not essential:
* Experience working in a community legal centre.
* Experience supervising legal staff.
* Experience with integrated approaches to legal practice which involve collaboration with non-legal support services.
What do we offer?
* Salary up to $134K plus superannuation.
* An opportunity to work with a passionate and highly skilled team.
* A chance to work alongside supportive human beings who genuinely want the best for you and your career.
* 5 weeks annual leave.
* 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flex to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months' service).
* Salary packaging up to $15,900.
* Annual allowance of $500 towards your professional development.
* An extensive learning and development program.
* Flexible working hours and office locations.
* Free, independent and confidential access to our Employee Assistance Program for yourself and for your direct family members.
* Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more!
Required compliance documents:
* Current drivers' license
* National Police Clearance Certificate
* WA Working with Children Check
How to apply
We'd love to hear from you!
Please click apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages, helping us understand your fit for this role.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Monday 16 February 2026.
For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Luke Cassidy, Principal Lawyer, at luke.cassidy@ruah.org.au or (08) 9328 8012.
We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, weneed people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.
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