Assistant Principal Legal Officer

The Assistant Principal Legal Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the legal services provided by CAWLS and is responsible for assisting the Principal Legal Officer in the efficient and effective management of legal matters and the provision of high-quality legal advice and representation to CAWLS clients including supervision of other lawyers in the provision of Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence legal services.

This includes ensuring compliance with legal, professional, and regulatory requirements, aligning legal work with the organisation's Strategic Plan.

The Assistant Principal Solicitor supervises a team of solicitors overseeing and supervising their legal practice, advice and casework services in targeted areas, community legal education and policy and law reform activities. The Assistant Principal Solicitor is responsible for supervising the legal practice in the absence of the Principal Legal Officer.

As the Assistant PLO you will be committed to social justice and supporting vulnerable women to access their legal rights. Utilising skills and knowledge across several areas of law, you must be committed to reducing barriers to access for women in our community, provide quality legal information and advice, and assisting women to become educated about their legal rights. You will be seeking a workplace that thrives on being integral to the community, and in delivering excellent services that promotes access and equity for people.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice and representation, primarily in Domestic and Family Violence matters.
• Oversee a caseload of complex matters and ensure timely progression of files and court deadlines.
• Review and approve legal documents and advice prepared by junior lawyers.
• Support the Principal Legal Officer in leading the Legal Practice and supervise solicitors and legal staff.
• Allocate DFV matters through effective management of the DFV roster.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organisations and attend sector meetings as required.
• Contribute to policy development, advocacy initiatives, and continuous improvement of legal services.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and organisational requirements, including accurate data and reporting.
• Participate in professional development and support learning within the legal team.

Salary and Conditions

• A competitive salary is offered depending on relevant qualifications and experience. Generous salary sacrificing is available.

• The Employer pays superannuation at 12%, six weeks annual, 12 days personal leave and other leave as per National Employment Standards.

• A supportive workplace dedicated to developing employee wellbeing and resilience.

• Excellent training and Professional Development opportunities.

• Relocation expenses are available for interstate candidates as per CAWLS policy.

Selection Criteria

• A bachelor's degree in law and eligible to hold an unrestricted practising certificate issued by the Law Society NT.

• Substantial post-admission experience in areas of law relevant to Central Australian Women's Legal Service.

• Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice and representation on a range of legal issues.

• Strong knowledge of community legal issues, social justice, and human rights principles.

• Experience in supervising and mentoring junior legal staff.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

• Ability to handle a diverse caseload and manage priorities effectively & demonstrated self-management skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice and supporting vulnerable communities.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and legal procedures.

• Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and drafting legal documents.

• High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining client confidentiality.

• Hold, or the ability to obtain, a current NT Drivers licence, NT Ochre card and National Police check.

Information for Applicants / How to Apply

The application should include a cover letter to address the selection criteria, a resume/CV, and two referees.

Apply via email to , using the subject line, 'CAWLS Solicitor'

For more information contact: Alice de Brenni

CAWLS Finance & Operations Manager