Ruah Legal Services operates a multidisciplinary legal service, and is looking for a dedicated lawyer with experience in family and domestic violence to join our team at our new Karlup Service based at Ruah's Centre for Women and Children.
Ruah aims to promote measures to achieve equality. Section 51 of the Equal opportunity Act applies to this role.
Lawyer


About the role:
Ruah Legal Services is seeking a dedicated lawyer to join the Karlup Service based at Ruah’s Centre for Women and Children.
Ruah Legal Services specialises in the provision of end-to-end legal representation with integrated psycho-social support. Ruah Legal Services also trades as the Mental Health Law Centre (MHLC) for the provision of legal services to clients experiencing severe mental illness. Key practice areas include Criminal Law, Care and Protection, Restraining Orders, the Mental Health Act and Guardianship and Administration Act matters.
The primary focus of the lawyer’s role is the provision of legal information, advice, and representation in relevant courts and tribunals. This position will work within the Karlup Service based at Ruah’s Centre for Women and Children. The Karlup Service employs a unique model of care which offers a seamless spectrum of offerings which women and children can engage with as they need, when they need it, and for as long as they need it to help foster their own strength and resilience and recreate a future free from violence.
This role will be out and about often – not sitting in an office. You must love being in court and advocating for your clients. You must understand and be committed to principles of holistic, trauma-informed and culturally-safe legal practice. This role requires emotional resilience and excellent interpersonal skills.
In addition to your client and advocacy work, you will work in the team to mentor and train junior lawyers, supervise paralegals and volunteers, and participate in the community legal education services and policy work of the Centre. You will also be responsible for building collaborative, constructive relationships with key sector peers, stakeholders and service providers.
Section Criteria:
Essential:

• Be admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
• Have recent and relevant legal experience.
• Demonstrated competence in advocacy before Tribunals and Courts.
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work co-operatively.
• Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, mission, core values and the guiding principles of the organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a community legal centre.
• Experience with integrated approaches to legal practice which involve collaboration with non-legal support services.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diversity and social inclusion- including gender, sexuality, disability, cultural, age, and linguistic diversity and Aboriginal culture.

Required Compliance Documents:

• Current drivers’ license
• Working with Children Check
• National Police Certificate

What do we offer?

• An opportunity to work with a passionate and highly skilled team.
• A chance to work alongside supportive human beings who genuinely want the best for you and your career.
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Our technology is pretty awesome.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flex to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service).
• 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave.
• Salary packaging up to $15,900.
• Flexible working hours and office locations (if applicable).
• An extensive learning and development program.
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much much more!

How to Apply
Applicants are asked to complete the following in order to apply for this role:

• Covering letter addressing selection criteria above in no more than 3 A4 pages
• Copy of your CV

Applications that do not adhere to the above requirements will not be considered.
Applications will be considered as they are received. If you feel this is the perfect role for you, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible as this role will be filled if a suitable applicant is identified.
For further information about the position please contact:
Kirsten Gammer - Principal Lawyer
kirsten.gammer@ruah.org.au
Closing date: COB Friday 13 September 2024. If the suitable candidate is successful prior to this date the ad will close early.
We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.