Solicitor - LO 4 - Child Law - Dubbo or Orange

NSW Department of Communities and Justice•Orange, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role provides an opportunity to deliver high quality, child focused legal services in complex and sensitive matters that make a real difference to children, families and communities. As a Solicitor in the Child Law Advocacy team, you will provide high level legal advice and litigation services while contributing to the development of legal standards, policy and practice. You will be working in matters involving Aboriginal families and will be expected to work with cultural safety and in line with the Family is Culture reforms. You may appear in specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lists, such as the Winha-nga-nha List. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to work autonomously, lead complex matters, mentor staff and collaborate with key stakeholders in a dynamic, high-impact legal environment.

Requirements

Extensive experience providing high level legal advice and litigation services in complex, contentious or sensitive matters, with the ability to exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities.
Strong analytical, drafting and advocacy skills, including experience preparing complex legal documents, submissions, briefing notes and correspondence to a high professional standard.
Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring or guiding legal staff, with the ability to foster a cooperative, professional and high performing team environment.
Legal qualifications and eligibility to hold a practising certificate as a government legal practitioner issued by the NSW Law Society, with the ability to meet mandatory clearance requirements.
Appointments are subject to reference checks.
Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances: National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
Hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated excellence in partnering with Aboriginal community.
Experience working in matters involving Aboriginal families and working with cultural safety.
Experience appearing in specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lists, such as the Winha-nga-nha List.

Responsibilities

Provide high level legal advice, litigation services, and representation in complex, contentious and sensitive matters involving children and young people.
Contribute to the effective delivery of legal services through expert advice, advocacy, and leadership.
Lead and perform complex legal analysis, manage litigation before Courts and Tribunals, and provide strategic advice on legislation, policy and practice to support informed decision making across the Department.
Work collaboratively with the Child Law Aboriginal preservation and reunification team, Waruuguma Barrmarrany and should you wish to be considered for future opportunities in this team, you will show demonstrated excellence in partnering with Aboriginal community.
Supervise and mentor legal staff to ensure the delivery of high quality, professional legal services.
Prepare and review complex legal documents, including briefs, submissions, correspondence and reports.
Have excellent case management skills that ensure the efficient and effective resolution of proceedings and utilise alternative dispute resolution wherever possible.
Be capable of working efficiently and flexibly, including by AVL while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
Provide expert advice on legislative interpretation, legal risk and policy development.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on legal issues and proposed legislative changes.
Deliver legal education and training to internal and external stakeholders.
Respond to subpoenas, information requests and statutory applications within required timeframes.
Work as part of a collaborative and supportive legal team committed to excellence, professionalism and child centred practice.