This pool recruitment process will be used to fill permanent, fixed term, full time and part time vacancies that may arise over a period of 12 months from the date of finalisation of the recruitment process. Fixed term appointments may be made with the possibility of extension/s (up to two years total appointment) and/or permanency (to occur within two years of appointment).
Legal Aid Western Australia is seeking experienced solicitors with a passion for family law to join our Family Law Division. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in family law, child protection, and family violence, making a real difference to the lives of families and children in our community.
As this is a recruitment for a pool of solicitors at Specified Calling Level 1 or 2 and Specified Calling Level 3/4, we are looking for a range of candidates, from those who are newly admitted, to those who are more experienced.
About the role
This is an opportunity for solicitors with family law experience to join the Family Law Division of Legal Aid WA. Appointments from the pool may be made to the Family Law Practice, Domestic Violence Legal Unit, Family Court Duty Lawyer Services and Children’s Court Protection Services.
Depending upon the position, responsibilities may include managing a file load which may consist of various legal matters for parties including family law, child protection, family violence restraining orders (litigation and mediation) or providing duty lawyer, legal advice, and legal task assistance for clients with complex needs. Negotiation, advice and court appearances in the Family Court of WA, the Children’s Court of WA and the Magistrates Court of WA are part of these roles.
Candidates who are qualified Independent Children’s Lawyers or wish to complete training to become qualified, are encouraged to apply.
About you
For both positions, a qualification as an Independent Children’s Lawyer, eligibility or interest in training to become an Independent Children’s Lawyer and Child Representative will be highly regarded.
Solicitor Specified Calling Level 1 or 2:
The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of family law principles and procedures across all areas, including child protection and family violence restraining orders. Experience in these areas will be an advantage. Advocacy skills and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential. The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and have a proven ability to work autonomously and cooperatively in a team environment. Additionally, you will demonstrate strong interpersonal, analytical, and written communication skills, including legal drafting. Experience with clients affected by family violence will also be highly regarded.
Solicitor Specified Calling Level 3/4:
Candidates will have considerable post-admission family law experience, particularly in the Family Court of Western Australia, Magistrates Court & Children's Court jurisdictions, with strong knowledge of family law, protection & care, and family violence. At this level you will be required to manage complex and challenging legal matters. Your experience will also include demonstrated litigation and advocacy experience and representation at mediations. Additionally, candidates will be expected to supervise junior legal staff so any experience in this will be an advantage.
About us and what we can offer you
We offer a strong team working environment, the satisfaction of adding value to the community, and a range of benefits in line with business requirements, which may include professional development opportunities, flexible working and leave arrangements, including opportunities to purchase leave, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Click here to learn more about the benefits we offer employees.
Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory authority funded by the State Government and Commonwealth Governments. We provide over 100,000 legal services to clients each year in the areas of criminal, family and civil law across Western Australia.
Legal Aid WA is a provider of customer centred services and fosters a culture of inclusion. We appreciate differing viewpoints and cultural diversity and value all perspectives as we strive for excellent customer service through process improvements and innovation.
Further information
Please visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au to find out more about us.
Download the attached Job Description Form for more information about the role. We recommend you review our guide on applying for a job at Legal Aid WA, including eligibility, preparing your application and the selection process, prior to submitting your application.
If you would like to talk to someone about the job, please contact Colleen Brown, Director Family Law Division on (08) 9261 6223 or email Colleen.Brown@legalaid.wa.gov.au
For First Nations specific information regarding working at Legal Aid WA, including our First Nations Staff Network, please visit First Nations Employment.
If you are a First Nations person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA online or call them on 13 64 64.
Assessment
The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides an overview of the role, along with the selection criteria against which you will be assessed throughout the selection process. Alignment with Legal Aid’s values will also be considered in the panel’s assessment of candidates. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the role prior to applying.
How to Apply
Applications are made online. In addition to the questions being asked in the online application, you should also submit:
- A comprehensive CV (max. 5 pages) that showcases your talents and key achievements relevant to the role; and
- A cover letter (max. 3 pages) outlining your relevant experience and demonstrating your ability to meet the selection criteria specified below:
- Ability to conduct litigation.
- Advocacy skills.
- Values people, partnership, and teamwork.
In addition to the above criteria, you will also need to address the following criteria if you are applying for the Solicitor Specified Calling Level 3/4 position:
- At least 4 to 6 years of post-admission experience, in the areas of family law, care and protection, and/or family violence (FVROs).
- Ability to conduct litigation with extensive Court appearance experience.
(Tip - your written communication skills will also be assessed so be sensible with font and margin sizes).
Qualifications and minimum experience required for the role will also be assessed by the panel at application stage.
To apply for this position you must have successfully completed an undergraduate Law degree and be admitted, or eligible for admission to practice in Western Australia, at the time of completion of this recruitment process. This will mean being eligible to obtain a Practising Certificate from the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.
We recommend you review our guide on applying for a job at Legal Aid WA, including eligibility, preparing your application and the selection process, prior to submitting your application.
Click the “Apply for Job” button at bottom of this page to submit your application.
APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED VIA www.jobs.wa.gov.au.
Please allow enough time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.
Failure to submit the required information may result in the selection panel being unable to fully assess your application.
If you experience technical difficulties submitting your application online, contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 and quote recruitment ID number 890056.
Substantive Equality
Legal Aid Western Australia is an equal opportunity employer, we recognise the value that people of diverse backgrounds bring to the workforce. We are committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes through the recruitment, development and retention of people from all diverse backgrounds. Suitable Australian First Nations applicants may be given priority consideration over other applicants to achieve our vision of widening access to justice in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.
People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you require adjustments to submit your application, please contact Janice Green on tel (08) 6373 5297 or email Janice.Green@legalaid.wa.gov.au
Pool conditions
As this is a pool, vacancies will be offered on a full-time or part-time permanent or fixed-term basis. This selection process may also be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout our organisation that arise within the term of the pool. It is important to note that appointment to the pool is not a guarantee that you will be offered a term of employment.
Appointment to all positions at Legal Aid WA is subject to a satisfactory national criminal history check, integrity and conflict checks, and 100-point identification check.
ATTACHMENTS:
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jdf - solicitor scl1or2 (la24164).pdf
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jdf - solicitor scl3-4 (la24164).pdf
You can view and print these PDF attachments by downloading
Adobe Reader.
WORK TYPE:
Permanent - Part Time, Permanent - Full Time, Fixed Term - Part Time, Fixed Term - Full Time
LOCATION:
Perth
CLOSING DATE:
2024-05-13 9:00 AM
(YYYY-MM-DD)