Senior Supervising Lawyer

Women’s Legal Service WA is the only gender-specific community legal centre in Western Australia, delivering state-wide specialist legal assistance to women in the areas of family law, protection and care, family, domestic and sexual violence and criminal injuries compensation for more than 25 years. In addition to poverty and FDSV, WLSWA clients live with multiple vulnerabilities and complex issues that creates other barriers to accessing justice. Our socio-legal assistance is tailored to ensure continuity in support and mitigate re-traumatising clients. As a specialist legal service, WLSWA works alongside and compliments generalist community legal centre work. WLSWA also advocates for women’s rights to be upheld and fosters social change through education and policy reform.The Senior Supervising Lawyer occupies a critical position at WLSWA. This role has both at inward and outward component. The Senior Supervising Lawyer works closely with and strongly supports the Principal Legal Officer to ensure that WLSWA services meet the needs of women seeking legal assistance and that WLSWA complies with all legal practice frameworks and statutory requirements. The Senior Supervising Lawyer also represents WSLWA in relevant forums and networks, including advocacy for justice for women and promoting WLSWA as a respected leader in relation to women and the law in Western Australia. The successful applicant will have considerable legal experience across all practice areas pertinent to WLSWA as well as experience in the development of law and policy in relation to women’s human rights.Key responsibilitiesRESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LEGAL SERVICE AND PRACTICEUnder the direction of the PLO, the Senior Supervising Lawyer will assist in:Overseeing the coordination of the legal practitioners case loadsEnsuring sound substantive legal advice and representation is provided to the women that WLSWA works withAssisting in managing WLSWA’s legal volunteer program and pro bono legal clinicsCoordinating supervision and professional development of legal practitioners, graduates and legal volunteersIdentifying risks of non-compliance and strategies to minimise those risksContribute to legal practice reports for the monthly Board meetings and contribution of these towards strategic objectivesUndertake a small caseload, particularly of more complex mattersLEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORKWork with WLSWA leadership to maintain a supportive working environmentLiaise effectively with colleagues to maintain constructive working relationshipsEnsure that WLSWA and its priorities and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to the community legal sector, the wider legal profession and communityLAW REFORM AND ADVOCACYKeep up to date with legislative and other legal and service developmentsAssist in the design and drafting of law reform advocacyRELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY LEGAL SECTOR AND THE WIDER LEGAL PROFESSIONAssist in the development of programs within the sector and wider legal professionLiaise with other stakeholders to build relationships and improve services to womenContribute to and build WLSWA’s relationship with the legal profession to facilitate women’s accessto pro bono servicesPROJECTSWork with the team to undertake project work as directedDesign and deliver community legal education for women, the wider community and the community sector about legal issues affecting womenOther duties as required and directed by the PLO or CEOSelection CriteriaESSENTIALDegree in law, admission to practice in Western Australia, with 5+ years post admission experienceDemonstrated experience in, or knowledge of the main casework areas of WLSWA, including family law (children, divorce and property), family and domestic violence, protection and care of children, and criminal injuries compensationExceptional understanding of the economic and social issues affecting women, including gender inequality, family and domestic violence, homelessness and povertyEfficacy in networking and establishing and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders in the community services sectorExperience in development and delivery of community legal and staff educationDemonstrated ability in supervision and management of legal staff, including volunteersExperience in advocacy in policy development and law reformDemonstrated experience in, or knowledge of regulatory and insurance requirements, and monitoring compliance and evaluation in legal practiceAbility to work autonomously with minimal supervision, including managing priorities and competing demands in a fast paced and changing environmentExcellent problem-solving skills with capacity for creative thinking and inclusive planningAbility to work constructively and collaboratively in a team environment, and actively participate in all WLSWA activitiesOutstanding written and oral communications skillsDemonstrated commitment to social justice and other WLSWA valuesCurrent National Police ClearanceDESIRABLEExperience with or understanding of community service organisationsExperience working with women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgroundsCurrent and valid motor vehicle licencePERSONAL ATTRIBUTESThe successful applicant will be passionate about advancing the interests of women, reducing gender inequality, and empowering women through the provision of excellent services to know and understand their legal rights.ConditionsIn addition to the opportunity to join a great team, WLSWA offers flexible working arrangements, employee assistance program, targeted professional development, opportunity to salary sacrifice, and additional paid leave between Christmas and new year.Based in the Perth office, the Senior Supervising Lawyer may be required to undertake some travel around WA.Application processPlease include in your application:A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant skillsA resume outlining your qualifications and experiencesWe welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ, live with a disability, have a culturally and linguistically diverse background and people of all ages.We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance our organisation. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.Advertisement closes Monday 10 June, with interviews to take place the following week.We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. If the suitable candidate is successful prior to this date the ad will close early.All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. We look forward to hearing from you.Your application will include the following questions:Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?How many years' experience do you have as a Supervising Lawyer?Do you hold a current Australian legal practising certificate?Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment?Report this job advert

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