Solicitor
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Principal Legal Officer, the Solicitor will provide high quality, trauma informed, holistic legal assistance including legal advice, casework and representation, to women throughout the Katherine and Big Rivers Region. The Solicitor will promote enhanced knowledge of legal rights, access to justice and safety for women and children including through Community Legal Education and law reform work.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal advice and representation
· Provide high quality legal advice, tasks and casework to clients, including court representation at Northern Territory and Federal Courts, and legal information and referrals.
· Develop and/or maintain a strong level of technical competence in KWILS’ core practice areas, including domestic, family and sexual violence (‘DFSV’), child protection, and family law.
· Manage file load under the supervision of the Principal Legal Officer.
· Conduct regular outreach services within Katherine, including attendance at the Katherine Local Court, Katherine Women’s Crisis Centre, Katherine Police Station, and other related services such as homelessness, health, and family services.
· Conduct regular outreach services across the Big Rivers Region, including attendance at bush court circuits.
· Maintain a high standard of file and record keeping.
Stakeholder Engagement
· Represent KWILS in a variety of public forums to promote the work of the service, including network meetings and consultations.
· Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to deliver outreach services to the community, with a focus on working in an integrated and collaborative manner.
Community Legal Education (CLE) and Law Reform
· Plan, design and deliver CLE workshops and associated materials to community groups and organisations.
· Participate in law reform projects including assisting in preparation of law and policy reform research and submissions/inquiries/responses.
· Raise awareness about issues that contribute to KWILS’ purpose and service priorities, as directed.
Organisational responsibilities
· Accurately capture all legal and non-legal service data through KWILS’ internal data and file management systems, in a timely manner.
· Attend regular KWILS staff and legal practitioner meetings.
· Participate in performance discussions and development reviews.
· Undertake ongoing professional development in accordance with legal professional regulations, KWILS’ policies and procedures, and in consultation with the KWILS Principal Legal Officer.
· Provide some supervision to student and other volunteers as requested by the KWILS Chief Executive Officer and Principal Legal Officer.
· Ensure compliance with KWILS’ policies and procedures.
· Contribute to the ongoing development of relevant policies and procedures of the Legal Practice of KWILS and of the organisation.
· Contribute to organisational commitments to funding bodies and the KWILS’ Management Committee including case studies, outreach work summaries, and facilitating client and CLE feedback surveys.
· Such other projects, activities and duties that may be determined in collaboration with the KWILS Chief Executive Officer and Principal Legal Officer.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Experience
· Admitted to practice as a Solicitor in Australia and eligible to hold a Northern Territory Practising Certificate.
· Minimum 12 months experience in a relevant field.
Knowledge
· Knowledge of the issues facing women who are victim-survivors of DFSV as well as additional barriers women may face for reasons including race, culture, gender, disability, language, poverty, age and sexuality.
· An understanding of DFSV through a gendered violence lens.
· An understanding and commitment to working within a trauma-informed framework.
Skills & Competencies
· Demonstrated ability to provide high quality legal advice and casework.
· Demonstrated ability to perform and interact as an efficient and productive team member.
· Proven strong level of initiative and organisational abilities, including time management skills and the ability to prioritise.
· Commitment to professional and personal development, and willingness to develop further professional skills relevant to the workplace.
· Ability to use sound judgement and discretion, and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
· Ability to sensitively take instructions from clients who have experienced and/or are experiencing DFSV, child sexual abuse, and other forms of discrimination and abuse by way of trauma-informed best practice principles.
· Demonstrated commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and culturally and linguistically diverse clients, ensuring a culturally responsible approach.
· Relevant experience in the development and delivery of community legal education, law reform and lobbying will be highly regarded.
· Highly developed verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills including ability to engage with women from diverse backgrounds and their communities.
· Aptitude in using Microsoft computers and Microsoft Office programs (such as Word and Excel) necessary to complete required tasks, and a willingness to perform administrative duties, as required.
Personal attributes
· A commitment to promoting the interests of women.
· Passionate, self-motivated and open-minded.
· Adaptability and ability to work under pressure.
· Collaborative team member
· Commitment to Continuous Professional Development
· Initiative and tenacity.
· Positive approach to change.
Other
· Maintain a valid working with Children’s Check (Ochre Card) and Police Clearance
· Valid driver’s licence
· 4WD experience (Desirable)
