Principal Solicitor
Job No:
140325
Location:
Darwin
- Join a passionate team determined to provide high quality and effective legal services to the community!
- Attractive salary + 10% super + 17.5% leave loading
- Great benefits including relocation assistance!
About the Organisation
Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS) is a free, confidential multi-disciplinary, community legal service which provides legal help, support, and advocacy to help people ensure their rights. Some of our services are focused on Darwin or the Top End, and some are Territory wide.
DCLS especially works with people who are vulnerable or marginalised. Now in its 30th year, DCLS continue to work actively and collaboratively to highlight justice issues and gaps in access to justice in the Northern Territory. We work to promote awareness and understanding, and we advocate and collaborate for change that promotes fairness and justice. This year, the DCLS is celebrating 30 years of being the only general legal service provider in the Northern Territory.
About the Opportunity
DCLS now has an exciting and rewarding role for a full-time Principal Solicitor to join their team in Darwin. This role is contracted for two years, with the possibility for extension.
Reporting to the Executive Director, your main responsibility will be to ensure that the legal practice delivers quality, accessible legal help and is striving, energetic and effective in advancing social justice.
Some of your core duties will include (but are not be limited to):
- Provide professional leadership, encouragement, supervision and support for staff and volunteers and support engagement, productivity, and commitment to achieve objectives;
- Manage and mitigate risk across the service in conjunction with the Team Leaders, Executive Director and Admin/HR Manager;
- Facilitate pro bono legal assistance and the involvement of law students in DCLS including through clinical, internship and PLT placements; and
- Maintain awareness of the political, social, and economic environment and seize opportunities to ensure that DCLS is at the forefront of pursuing access to justice, including emphasising voice, participation, and resources for our community.
To view the position description with the full list of core duties, click here.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will need to have completed a Bachelor of Law and have a valid practicing certificate and be able to unrestrictedly practice law in the Northern Territory. Demonstrated experience as a Principal Solicitor in community legal services is also essential.
You will also need to have demonstrated understanding of legal advocacy and awareness of the current issues relating to social and law reform in disadvantaged communities.
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, effectively manage their time, and have strong negotiation skills. As Principal Solicitor, you will also need to have effective leadership skills, and be able to work collaboratively in a team.
A C Class Driver’s Licence is preferable, but not essential.
To view the full selection criteria, click here.
About the Benefits
For your hard work, you will be rewarded an attractive salary in line with NT Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 8.3 plus 10% super, and with salary packaging options available.
In addition, you will have access to great benefits including 6 week’s annual leave (or pro-rate), including 17.5% leave loading, and 12 days of personal leave. You will also have access to a work phone and laptop, and ongoing training and professional development. Relocation assistance is negotiable for the right candidate.
You will be joining a close-knit team of professionals who are extremely passionate and dedicated to delivering high quality and effective legal services to the community.
If you are looking for your next career move, Apply Now!