Legal Practitioner

You are applying for the position of Legal Practitioner (Family Law) with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. Please fill in your details below to submit an application for this position. Please note ATSILS utilises 3rd party background checking services.

This position is located in: Cairns

Close date: Sun, 18 May 2025 11:59pm

POSITION DESCRIPTION – PD010 - extract

Legal Practitioner Family Law

Full Time

About us - read more at www.atsils.org.au/jobs

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 300 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

You will have frequent opportunity to provide expert casework assistance and information directly to clients, and to external stakeholders about client matters. You can rely on the State-wide resources of the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of Family Law and your immediate legal team.

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: admission as a Legal Practitioner within the State of Queensland or holder of (or eligibility for immediate acquisition of) a current Practising Certificate and be admitted as a Legal Practitioner or Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland (or be capable of immediate admission), and the Australian High Court.

3. Client service and data management: sound interpersonal and communication skills including a demonstrated ability to empathetically convey sound information or advice to clients individual and in groups, and to present written information, reports and online applications in concise, plain language using Windows Microsoft Office technology.

4. Core legal duties: experience (or an in-depth understanding) of both high-level client services in Family Law proceedings (including casework relating Child Protection and Domestic Violence applications); while ensuring exemplary case management standards.

5. Confidence in and knowledge of legislation: an in-depth working knowledge of key legislation, practices and procedures in the fields of Family Law (Family, Child Protection and Domestic Violence matters).

6. Access, teamwork and communication: preparedness to work after hours if necessary; willingness to assist in the development of other staff training/education; sound interpersonal and communication skills.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA (4)

1. Ability to use Microsoft Office in a Windows networked environment.

2. Criminal Law: ability to assist on duty lawyer matters during periods of demand is highly regarded.

3. Mobility, access and safety:

• a current Queensland Driver Licence and ability to drive in all reasonable conditions may be required 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).

Candidates may be required to disclose misconduct (criminal convictions, prosecution investigations etc.,) that prevent an ATSILS Security clearance in relation to any conviction for fraud or other dishonesty related criminal offences. To this end, a preferred candidate must be prepared to consent to a criminal history check being conducted (if requested). Note: A criminal history does not automatically preclude selection for interview, and a preliminary check can be discussed with the HR Manager after a candidate has been shortlisted for interview.

• Workplace Health and Safety qualification or First Aid Certificate.

4. Minimum two (2) years post admission experience: is ideal. Graduates with a significant comprehension of the application of relevant legislation and employment experience may be afforded an interview.

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