Family Lawyers

• Passionate about social justice and human rights? We want to hear from you
• Unlock a fulfilling path where your legal skills become the catalyst for positive change
• Earn a competitive salary package + benefits including 17.5% leave loading, additional leave entitlements, access to a company vehicle, and professional development opportunities so you can broaden your horizons during your time with us
• Multiple opportunities available in Townsville and Cairns Opportunities for remote work are also available if not residing in Townsville or Cairns

North Queensland Women’s Legal Service is a community-based legal service developed and operated by women for women. Since our inception in 1996, we have sought to enhance women’s access to justice and promote change within the justice system informed by women’s experiences.

Our clients are women. They are usually mums (and primary carers) and have limited access to financial resources. All too often, they are victims of domestic violence. We see an increased demand for our help each year, especially from women in rural and regional areas.

As the demand for our help increases, so does our team, wanting to use their expertise to make a real difference in the lives of women and their children. In recognition of this, the NQWLS has also recently received increased funding to meet this demand in new and innovative ways.

As such, we now have an exciting opportunity for full-time Family Lawyers & a Specialist Child Protection Lawyer to join our team in Townsville, Cairns or Remotely. There will be times when you will need to travel to conduct work within the community, such as outreach advice clinics, community legal education and other activities.

As our newest Family or Child Protection Lawyer, you will provide high-quality, trauma-informed legal services, primarily in family law, domestic violence, child protection and other areas that are within our guidelines.

Your core duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Legal advice and ongoing casework services
• Provision of duty lawyer services
• Community legal education
• Contribution to our law reform, policy work and publication preparation
• Networking, liaison, and community development

You will also ensure compliance with the professional indemnity claims prevention procedures, insurance, and other requirements relating to operational and other needs of the organisation.

Please note: you will be required to hold an open driver’s license and complete a criminal history check before beginning the role.

You’re a qualified legal practitioner, possibly already woven into the fabric of family and child protection law, ready to immerse yourself into a role where your work transcends beyond case files, becoming a catalyst for wider social change and justice.

Your offerings include:

• Credentials as a legal practitioner and eligibility to obtain a practicing certificate as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia
• A rich empathy and dedication to pioneering justice for women encountering family and domestic violence and/or engaged with the Child Protection system
• A team-centric mentality, blended with stellar communication skills, ensuring you liaise, connect, and build rapport with diverse stakeholders
• The ability to infuse quality, trauma-informed practices into all aspects of your legal advice and casework.

North Queensland Women’s Legal Service is committed to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. Candidates who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, or those living with a disability, are encouraged to apply.

In addition to an attractive remuneration package , the successful candidate will enjoy the opportunity to join a dedicated and tight-knit team of like-minded professionals who are passionate about social justice and advancing human rights.

Additional benefits include:

• Salary sacrificing options to maximise your take-home pay
• 17.5% leave loading to enhance your rest periods
• Three extra days ex-gratia between Christmas and New Year
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program to ensure your wellbeing is preserved
• Opportunities to engage in professional development, ensuring your growth parallels that of the organisation and our mission.
• Applicants residing outside of Cairns and Townsville will be able to work remotely.

This is a rewarding opportunity for you to utilise your expertise and advocate for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence. Through your day-to-day work, you can make a real difference in our community and contribute to law reform and policy work.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about social justice and want to put your legal skills to use in an organisation that aligns with your values, we want to hear from you - apply now