Paralegal/legal Practitioner

ATSILS is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that delivers innovative, professional criminal, civil and family law services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients throughout Queensland.
We are 50 years old, and have 250 staff including a specialist Through Care service to complement our legal services. We are fully government funded, and this Legal role is tied to ongoing funding, currently set to 30 June 2025.
Opportunity

Depending on your studies, experience, qualifications, and attainment of a Practising Certificate, you will have an opportunity to prepare casework and provide assistance directly to clients - albeit under the direction and guidance of an experienced Practitioner. You can rely on the State-wide resources of the Principal Legal Officer and Directors of Law (Civil and Family) and your immediate legal team. The development of culturally competent legal services is inherent in this role, so you will likely achieve a degree of confidence in this specialist area.

**Selection Criteria**:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA (6)

**1. Values**: alignment to the values and vision of ATSILS and
an appreciation of and sensitivity to the challenges our clients have faced,
and continue to face, in their fight for and their right to justice and equity.

**2. Qualifications**:
i.
Junior

**Legal Practitioner**: be admitted as a Legal Practitioner in Queensland (or be
within 12 months of being admitted) with a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent);
ii. Para-Legal

**scale 2-3**: be a Bachelor of Laws (or combined Degree) Student; or
hold an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies or a Diploma of Legal/Justice/Native
Title or similar qualification, PLUS two years’ full-time equivalent experience
in a legal or professional office;
iii. Para-Legal

**scale 1**: be enrolled in a Legal Studies Certificate, Diploma or Degree
with at least one year’s full-time work experience.

**3. Client representation and data management**: s ound
interpersonal and communication skills including a demonstrated ability to
empathetically and efficiently convey precise information to team members and clients;
plain language using Windows Microsoft Office technology and utilising legal
knowledge in at least two jurisdictions. A minimum typing speed of 45 wpm, 98%
accuracy is an advantage.

**4. Core legal duties**: proven capacity to provide highly confidential legal
and administrative support to Legal Practitioners in Family and Civil Law
proceedings (including ability to co-ordinate file and case management in
accordance with professional standards); AND ability to calmly liaise with the
legal services network (after training in Paralegal levels) in attending minor
matters at Court/Tribunal.

**5. Confidence in and knowledge of legislation**: a basic knowledge of key legislation, practices, and
procedures across a range of legislation such as the Succession Act, Family
Law Act, Domestic and Family Violence Law Act, Child Protection Act ,
various Anti-discrimination Laws etc.

**6. Access, teamwork, and communication**: preparedness to work after hours if necessary;
willingness to assist in a busy office with administrative duties including
case filing and intake processes; organised, flexible, and friendly
interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is an ability to
develop culturally competent service after on-the-job training. DESIRABLE CRITERIA (2)
1. Ability to use Microsoft Office in a Windows networked environment.

**2. Mobility, access, and safety**:

- a current Queensland Driver Licence and ability to drive in all reasonable conditions may be required (therefore an essential criterion) for the role, dependent upon the location.
- a willingness to undergo a Criminal Record Check to achieve a National Police Certificate (Australia-wide Disclosable Criminal History).
- E ntry to Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander run communities (and associated travel services) may also
require a reasonable level of COVID-19 testing which will be provided by the Employer.
- Workplace Health and Safety qualification or First Aid Certificate.