Consumer and Civil Solicitor

ABOUT WLSQ:

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child protection, financial counselling and sexual assault though our counselling notes protect program, and migration and criminal law. WLSQ is committed to a society where every woman:

• can live free from violence and discrimination.
• can tell her story, have it heard and respected, without judgement.
• receives a just and equitable outcome from legal and social systems.

WLSQ is committed to the Queensland Child Safe Standards and Universal Principle. We believe every child and young person has the right to be safe and respected and children’s safety and wellbeing is prioritised in our decision making. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families feel welcome, valued, and respected. We recognise that cultural safety is fundamental to child safety. We regularly review our practices and listen to feedback from our community to strengthen our safety systems. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role is available on either a full-time or part-time basis.

The Consumer and Civil Solicitor provides high-quality, client-centred legal advice, casework assistance and advocacy to eligible clients experiencing consumer, debt and civil law issues. The role is a part of the Financial Abuse Prevention Unit (FAPU) team and this role also contributes to community legal education, law reform and systemic advocacy activities and works collaboratively with other WLSQ staff and external services to support clients to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Provide holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal services to women across Queensland:

• Provide high-quality legal advice and casework assistance to clients in consumer protection, debt and related civil law matters through in-person and telephone appointments, written legal advice, and the preparation and drafting of legal documents.
• Provide legal assistance to clients experiencing debt-related issues, including consumer debt, debt collection, credit contracts and disputes with creditors.
• Represent and advocate for clients in appropriate negotiations, dispute resolution processes, tribunals and courts, within the scope of the service.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with government agencies, financial institutions, landlords, insurers and other third parties.
• Conduct legal research and remain current with relevant consumer, credit, debt and civil law legislation, case law and practice requirements.
• Contribute to community legal education and legal information activities relating to consumer rights, debt and other relevant civil law issues.
• Assist clients to resolve disputes through negotiation, advocacy and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Assist the leaders or their delegates with reviewing guidelines, procedures, protocols and precedents when required. 
• Attend and participate in team meeting, training and professional development activities.
• Provide legal services in accordance with WLSQ policy and practice and the National Association of Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCA) Risk Management Guide.

B. Work closely with the advice and other specialist legal teams and social work to prove holistic, wrap around support for women to address both legal and non-legal issues.

C. Identify and respond to risk and safety considerations, including making appropriate referrals where necessary:

• Ensure risk and safety considerations are routinely and comprehensively addressed in all legal work undertaken which provides information, legal advice, minor task work, case work or ongoing representation to clients experiencing domestic and family violence
• Ensure appropriate referrals are made to the internal Social Work team for any identified safety considerations and risk assessments to be made.
• Liaise with external agencies and make referrals where services are more appropriately provided or should be supplemented through accessing another service.

D. Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education and WLSQ’s law reform activities as required.

E. Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ:

• Develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team members and key stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

1. Minimum of 2 years’ post-admission experience in consumer and civil law, including experience in consumer protection, debt and related civil law matters.
2. High level computer literacy and competency using Microsoft Office Suite and Client Management Systems.
3. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, often in emotionally charged or high-stress situations, using communication strategies aimed at helping clients feel heard and understood.  
4. Demonstrated ability to identify a client’s legal and non-legal needs, provide clear, accurate and practical legal advice in complex matters and an understanding of when and where to refer clients for support to address their non-legal needs.  
5. Effectively manages client expectations by providing clear, honest communication about what is feasible within the service parameters, while respecting their preferences. 
6. Demonstrates resilience in managing multiple priorities and adapting to complex client needs or unexpected challenges. 
7. Demonstrated ability to recognise and understand the broader context of client’s circumstances and provide appropriate referrals where required. 
8. Demonstrated ability to manage workloads and competing priorities effectively, and to deliver high-quality legal services within a high-volume and complex practice. 
9. Commitment to and ability to work within a feminist framework and to work independently and as a member of a team.  

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

This role requires the incumbent to hold and maintain the following: 

• Unrestricted Practicing Certificate 
• Admission to the High Court of Australia  
• Working With Children Check (Blue Card) 

It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)). 

WLSQ values diversity and inclusion and welcomes requests for reasonable adjustments at any time throughout your employment and/or as part of our recruitment process. 

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise your take-home pay.
• Remuneration package: from $58.37 to $60.95 per hour plus statutory super and Attractive salary sacrifice options.
• Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling services available for you and your family.
• Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs.
• Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
• Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills.
• On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace

APPLY NOW!

To apply for this position, click on ‘apply’ and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Should you have any questions or would like a copy of the Position Description for the role, please feel free to contact the People and Culture team by phone on 07 3392 0644 or email at peopleandculture@wlsq.org.au.