Adoption Law Attorney

Adoption Law Attorney / Divorce Law Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney in Geelong, Victoria Job Title: Senior Family Lawyer Job Responsibilities: The Senior Family Lawyer at the organization is responsible for delivering high-quality legal services, including legal advice, duty lawyer services, complex casework, representation, negotiation, and dispute resolution primarily in family law, child protection, and family violence matters. The role involves conducting complex casework and appearing as a lawyer and advocate for clients, applying specialized expert legal knowledge to solve complex legal problems. The Senior Family Lawyer is required to undertake a high degree of advocacy work in family law, child protection, and family violence, and support others in building their advocacy skills. Additional responsibilities include providing supervision, training, and mentoring to other lawyers, leading or contributing to policy initiatives, organization projects, law reform work, and community legal education. The lawyer will also act as the sole senior practice expert in family law, child protection, and family violence for the Horsham Office. The Senior Family Lawyer is expected to lead and contribute to strategic advocacy, policy submissions, funding submissions, service design, community legal education, and project management. They will take a leadership role in the development and delivery of the Wimmera Regional Office Plan and support systemic reform and continuous improvement of the family law, child protection, and family violence practice by developing and implementing policies and strategies to resolve systemic issues impacting the delivery of legal aid services. Operational excellence is also a priority, with the lawyer acting as an escalation point for complex matters, building and maintaining strong stakeholder partnerships, and representing the organization in external forums to promote collaborative approaches, integrated legal service delivery, and proactive approaches to improving access to justice. Education and Experience Information: Candidates must possess a current unrestricted Australian practicing certificate that entitles them to practice in Victoria as a government legal practitioner and must be entitled to practice in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court’s Register of Practitioners). Demonstrated experience working with Australian First Nations people and an understanding of cultural norms and communication styles are essential. Candidates must have the right to work in Australia, and all appointments are subject to reference checks and pre-employment misconduct screening. The role requires the candidate to hold a valid Victorian Working With Children Check at all times. In terms of specific qualifications and experience, the ideal candidate will possess substantial knowledge and extensive experience in the practice of family law, child protection, and family violence, including strong advocacy experience and the preparation of complex litigation. A sound understanding of intersectional matters that contribute to family law client legal needs and the factors that contribute to positive outcomes when interacting with Australia’s courts and justice system is crucial. The candidate should have sound forensic judgment, skill in case strategy and case analysis, and the ability to identify and provide strategic advice on legal and policy issues. High-level interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to supervise, mentor, and train staff. Experience working with First Nations clients is also a requirement, including understanding the cultural norms, communication styles, and complex issues experienced by Australian First Nations peoples. Salary Information: The salary range for the Senior Family Lawyer position is $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus superannuation and salary packaging, with up to $15,900 in salary packaging and a hybrid work-from-home and office model. Relocation support is offered for candidates willing to relocate for the role. Additional Information: The organization offers a focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements and a hybrid work-from-home and office model. Training and professional development opportunities are available, along with excellent salary packaging options, including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650, and Novated Leasing. Relocation support is available for candidates relocating for the role. The organization is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including First Nations people and refugees, to apply for positions. Reasonable adjustments will be made to enable everyone to participate in recruitment processes and work productively and safely. The organization is a Child-Safe organization, committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognizing the diverse and unique identities and experiences of First Nations children. Applications for the position close by pm on Monday, 1 December 2025. For further information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the attached position description or contact the Regional Manager. #J-18808-Ljbffr