Lawyer - Mulleun Mura Access to Justice

• Culturally safe legal service improving outcomes for First Nations women
• Shape a growing practice through leadership, mentorship and advocacy
• Suits Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander lawyers with family law experience

About the organisation

The Women's Legal Centre ACT (WLC) is a specialist community legal centre committed to improving women's lives and advancing gender equality. Through legal assistance, advocacy, law reform and education, WLC supports women, trans and gender diverse people experiencing complex legal issues across family law, discrimination, employment, migration and sexual violence. WLC is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where First Nations leadership, culture and community knowledge are respected, valued and celebrated.

The Mulleun Mura Access to Justice Program

The Mulleun Mura Access to Justice (MMA2J) Program is a specialist service led by and for First Nations women. Working within a multidisciplinary model alongside, cultural support staff and community partners, the program provides culturally safe, trauma-informed legal services that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to make informed decisions and achieve positive outcomes keeping them and their children safe and connected to culture.

If you are motivated to undertake a managerial and practicing role, WLC will support your growth and work with you to shape a role that supports the legal career you want to build. This may be aspirations of going to the Bar, being a Court Litigator, time off during school holidays, exploration of a broader mix of practice areas including family, employment, discrimination or criminal law; we invite and encourage you to share your legal goals.

Benefits and culture

• Salary range: $115,000 - $148,000 depending upon legal experience, plus super and salary packaging
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid and part-time options
• Relocation support available for candidates who will move to Canberra
• Genuine commitment to professional development, within a flexible and respectful environment
• Annual health and wellbeing allowance, paid cultural and reproductive health leave

About the role

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander lawyer to join the Mulleun Mura Access to Justice Practice and help shape the future of culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

You will be part of a small team, maintain a complex legal case load and work closely with solicitors, cultural support staff and community partners to deliver integrated, trauma-informed services that improve outcomes for First Nations women. You will mentor emerging practitioners, strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and contribute to law reform and systemic advocacy.

You will also:

• Contribute to strategic planning, program development and service innovation
• Monitor program outcomes, funding requirements and data reporting
• Represent WLC across the legal sector, community and stakeholder forums
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, advocacy and law reform
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture

Skills and experience required

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lawyer who is deeply committed to social justice, gender equality and systemic change, have experience in family law, and a genuine commitment to improving access to justice for First Nations women. You are motivated by the opportunity to work within a culturally safe trauma-informed service delivery model, and you also have:

• Admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner with a current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain)
• Strong relationship-building skills with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders
• Experience working within or alongside multidisciplinary service models
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and advocacy skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex priorities

WLC is committed to increasing First Nations leadership across the organisation and creating a culturally safe recruitment process and workplace. Please note being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification under s34 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT). Part-time applications will be considered.

If some of the criteria speaks to you and you want to shape the future of culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your combined cover letter and resume outlining your experience and interest in the role. Alternatively, call Kelly Gentle on 02 8243 0570 to discuss your interest or email kelly.gentle@ngorecruitment.com.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.