Solicitor – Counselling Notes Protect

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:

The Counselling Notes Protect (CNP) Solicitor provides holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe legal advice, minor task assistance, ongoing legal support, representation and referrals to women who have experienced sexual assault. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, the role ensures women receive integrated legal and non-legal support that prioritises safety, empowerment and access to justice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Provide case management support to vulnerable women who have experienced sexual violence.   
• Provide legal advice, file management, advocacy and representation for victims of sexual assault in relevant Courts in response to applications to subpoena and otherwise use records which are, or could be, ‘protected counselling communications’.   
• Provide legal information and advice about the application and procedure of the sexual assault counselling privilege to clients, sexual violence prevention services and other relevant services and agencies.   
• Provide legal information and advice about the broader sexual violence legal issues for clients such as sexual violence criminal proceedings in general and engaged in law reform as informed by the lived experience and feedback of the services and clients who use the CNP service.   
• 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, social work, and financial abuse prevention teams to provide 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 family law, domestic and family violence, criminal law or other relevant area of law.  
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  
• Open Queensland Driver’s Licence 
• Working With Children Check (Blue Card) 
• Accreditation as a domestic violence duty lawyer is desirable, but not mandatory 

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.