Lawyer – Brisbane

QIFVLS is a state-wide Community Legal Practice with offices across 8 regions in Queensland. We are a not-for-profit organisation that provides free legal services, including court and tribunal representation, welfare support, advocacy and community education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims or survivors of family violence and / or sexual assault.

About the role We are seeking a highly motivated Lawyer to join our Brisbane Office team.In this role, you will act as an advocate by providing legal advice, you will conduct legal case work and legal representation in the areas of Domestic and Family Violence, Child Protection, Family Law and Victims Assist Queensland applications. You will also engage with our local stakeholders and conduct community legal education sessions within our Far North Queensland service delivery areas.

The delivery of our legal services, plus the delivery of our community legal education sessions, is done in a culturally meaningful and trauma informed manner to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are victims / survivors of family violence and / or sexual assault, receive quality legal services, representation and advice, whilst fully assisting our clients understand and navigate the relevant legal system, child protection system or victim assistance application process with confidence.

About you You will have strong and demonstrated advocacy experience and a sound knowledge ofFamily Law, Child Protection, Domestic & Family Violence law and victims' assistance applications. You will also have a minimum of3 years post admission experience. You will also possess a current Open Drivers Licence and you must be eligible to work in Australia.

A cultural appreciation / understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is essential or having worked previously with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients would be advantageous.

Operational Functions : Provide legal advice, advocacy and legal casework representation in a culturally meaningful manner and to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are victims of domestic and family violence and / or sexual assault are provided with quality legal services, representation, advice and casework.

Prepare and / or instruct in court and tribunal, and other hearings in the Magistrates Court, Family Court, Federal Circuit Court and Domestic Violence Specialist Court, and other places as required. Preparation includes-

Ensuring that all documentation is filed and served within legislative and court directed time frames

Assessing evidentiary material for admissibility and appropriate resolution including assessments of merit

Undertaking legal research, consultation and liaison to gather information on specific issues

Provision of written and verbal advice and analysis to clients

Preparing accurate and comprehensive file notes on legal issues arising out of files, including providing legal advice within agreed time limits

Managing a range of interpersonal interactions both internal and external.

Interpreting and applying legislation.

Manage allocated files to comply with NACLC Risk Management Guide and QIFVLS operating and legal case management Guide.

Ensure that cases are competently, efficiently and expeditiously prepared and properly presented.

Pursue resolution of individual allocated cases in a proactive manner at all stages of the process ensuring that the best interests of the client are met.

Take into account the needs of victims in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Coach / mentor, support and guide Paralegals and Family advocates to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are victims of domestic and family violence and / or sexual assault are provided with quality legal services, representation, advice and casework.

Work with the Paralegals and Family advocates to help clients understand and navigate the family law system, child protection system or victim assistance application process.

Provide and support appropriate client referrals to the PLO in consultation with the Family Advocate for high needs or vulnerable clients, applying a holistic support approach.

Treat clients and colleagues with respect and tact, bearing in mind individual needs, and ensuring confidentiality at all times.

Promptly respond to all written and oral communications from clients, external parties and stakeholders.

Ensure that all paper and electronic files are up-to-date and accurate, and your file register is maintained in a state of readiness.

Ensure that all client files and other documents are well organised and displayed, and comply with all internal and external procedures and requirements.

Achieve performance targets and agreed standards.

Undertake training and development activities, as recommended by the PLO

Network and liaise with community organisations, men and women's groups, legal service providers, government departments and community justice groups to enable QIFVLS to effectively promote its services.

Represent QIFVLS within the community by attending and presenting at meetings, functions and forums in a manner consistent with QIFVLS' professional standards and code of conduct.

Present Community Legal Education sessions in accordance with office KPI's.

Regular and extensive travel to deliver outreach legal services to remote communities including attending at circuit courts.

Maintain high levels of privacy and confidentiality.

Benefits and perks Salary + Super + Salary packaging scheme ($15,899 per annum) + 5 weeks' annual leave

Uniforms – Court Attire & Casual

Employee Assistance Program

Annual QLS Practicing Certification & Ins costs (including CPD conference)

Training opportunities (after 12 months' employment) in the following areas :

Independent Children's Lawyer / Separate Representative

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Cultural Awareness Training

Advocacy

How to apply We welcome receiving your cover letter, which should outline your experience, suitability and interest and your CV emailed

Only successful Candidates will be contacted.

Previous Applicants need not apply.

QIFVLS supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and encourages applications from qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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