Senior Solicitor - Family Law and Child Protection

About the role

The Senior Solicitor provides leadership, expertise and high-quality legal services across ALRM's Civil, Child Protection and Family Law Practice. The role is responsible for managing complex legal matters, advocating for clients in superior and specialist jurisdictions, and supporting the delivery of culturally safe, client-centred legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Working closely with the Civil Practice Director, the Senior Solicitor contributes to practice development, staff supervision, mentoring, community engagement and organisational initiatives that improve access to justice and legal outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice, representation and advocacy in family law, child protection and related civil law matters

• Conduct complex matters in courts and tribunals, including hearings, trials and dispute resolution processes

• Manage a significant and complex caseload with a high degree of autonomy

• Ensure legal services are delivered in accordance with professional obligations, legal aid requirements and ALRM policies

• Identify and respond to emerging legal issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

• Provide guidance, supervision and mentoring to junior legal practitioners and other team members

• Support capability development through coaching, knowledge sharing and practical supervision

• Deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed and client-centred legal services

• Establish and maintain productive relationships with courts, legal service providers, government agencies and community organisations

• Contribute to law reform, policy development and advocacy initiatives relevant to family law and child protection

About you

• Admitted to practise as a legal practitioner in South Australia and eligible to hold an unrestricted practising certificate

• Minimum five years post-admission experience in legal practice

• Current unrestricted South Australian Driver's Licence

• Significant experience in family law and child protection legal practice

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal matters and advocacy in court proceedings

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, legal processes and professional obligations

• Experience managing competing priorities in a high-volume legal environment

• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of colonisation, dispossession and systemic disadvantage on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities

• Highly developed advocacy, negotiation and legal problem-solving skills