About the role

The Paralegal works closely with the Legal team and other key staff to assist and deliver in the provision of high-quality legal support services and administration support that includes legal information and support in the areas of Family Violence, Family Law, Child Protection and Victims of Crime Assistance matters.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Solicitors to provide a trauma informed and culturally appropriate legal service and to help clients understand and navigate the family law system, domestic and family violence system, child protection system or victim assistance application process.

• Prepare correspondence and other legal documents as required by the legal team, including but not limited to drafting letters, briefs to counsel, affidavits, reports, presentations and other written documentation.

• Inspect and view relevant subpoena material.

• Attend to Court registry enquiries and filing.

• Complete initial client intake when required by the Solicitor.

• Complete file notes of all client attendances.

• Where required and in the absence of the Family Advocacy Support worker, assist the Solicitor(s) in client interviews by taking file notes and by ensuring that legal advice is interpreted in a way that the client understands by clarifying legal jargon in a tactful, sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.

• Where required and in the absence of the Family Advocacy Support worker, attend court to support the Solicitors to deliver quality legal services as well as completing file notes of all court appearances as required and directed by the Solicitor.

• Where required and in the absence of the Family Advocacy Support worker, possible travel to support the delivery of outreach legal services to remote communities including supporting solicitors attending at circuit courts, in consultation with the PL [ subject to the need of the office]

• Generate copies of relevant documents / letters provided by clients and attach to file as requested by the Solicitors. Return all original documents to the client.

• Assist clients complete Legal Aid applications and lodge electronically.

• Review, implement and maintain effective record keeping practices and filing systems as directed by the PL. This includes maintaining client files and ensuring that all documentation is complete and complies with all internal and external procedures and requirements.

• Complete administration and file management duties to support the Solicitors to enable them to focus on delivering quality legal services, representation, advice and casework.

• Provide generic administrative assistance and support to solicitors, as required.

• Assist in legal research projects as directed.

• Conduct legal and factual research on relevant laws, regulations and legal articles.

• Manage and maintain client and stakeholder databases in consultation with the Family Advocacy Support Worker

• Where required and in the absence of the Family Advocacy Support worker, make appropriate client referrals to other agencies.

• Perform other reasonable duties which might be determined by the Executive Director (Legal), the Director of Legal Practice or the Chief Executive Officer.

Essential requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (in Law or Justice related fields) or equivalent knowledge, experience and training.

• Holder of a current Queensland driver’s license.

• Holder of a Working with Children Blue Card or the ability to obtain one.

• Willingness to undertake a National Police Clearance check.