Location:
Coffs Harbour, NSW, AU, 2450
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Req ID: 85859
Beautiful coastal location of Coffs Harbour (flexible work arrangements available)
Salary range $93,413 - $138,492pa (plus superannuation and entitlements)
Temporary Full-time: up to 3 years (with possible extension or ongoing conversion)
About Legal Aid NSW
We stand beside people when they need it most.
At Legal Aid NSW, fairness isn’t just a legal principle, it shapes everything we do - our culture, our services, our workplace and our decisions.
Since 1979, Legal Aid NSW has provided legal advice, support and representation in criminal, family and civil law, helping people across NSW navigate hardship and complex legal issues. Our work is challenging, but deeply meaningful.
In partnerships with LawAccess NSW, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, we are located throughout the state including our Central Sydney office, 25 regional offices, and satellite and outreach offices.
About the Role
As the Solicitor (Family Law) you’ll provide high-quality legal advice, representation and casework services to individuals and families experiencing disadvantage. Helping clients navigate complex family law, and care and protection matters with professionalism and empathy. You'll manage a varied caseload, assess applications for legal aid, maintain accurate case records, contribute to community legal education initiatives, and ensure legal services are delivered in accordance with legislative requirements, organisational policies and professional practice standards.
About You
You’re a passionate and driven legal professional with experience in family law and care and protection matters. You thrive working independently and manage your own case file load with precision and attention to detail. Your practice is grounded in a trauma-informed approach, and you bring empathy and understanding to working with clients affected by social and economic disadvantage.
You’re keen to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, and you have a strong interest in progressing toward roles such as Independent Children’s Lawyer, Direct Legal Representative, or Independent Legal Representative.
You value a supportive work environment and are looking for a team that offers excellent mentoring and professional development to help you grow in your career which is exactly what you will find in our Coffs Harbour office.
You Belong Here
Here, every role has purpose.
Whether you’re delivering frontline legal services or strengthening our organisation from behind the scenes, you’ll help create fairer outcomes for the people across NSW.
We’re building a workplace where every culture, identity, ability and voice are included and valued. We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with visible and invisible disability, culturally diverse communities, and LGBTQI+ communities so you can connect and flourish at every stage of career.
You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organisation, working alongside like-minded and values driven people dedicated to justice, community impact, and delivering exceptional support and service through cross collaboration.
Benefits of working at Legal Aid NSW
As an employee of Legal Aid NSW, you will have access to and enjoy a variety of support and benefits so you can thrive professionally and personally. You’ll love our:
Flexible Working - we are a Flex Ready certified and Carers and Employers accredited organisation. We are leading the way in offering a variety of flexible working options to uniquely support your unique work life balance.
Professional Growth – as the largest law firm in NSW we offer a variety of opportunities to enhance your career at every stage, through regional graduate programs, Practical Legal Training and work placements, mentoring, training, and secondment opportunities.
Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing – with dedicated programs, training, resources, and respectful work practices, our Wellbeing Framework ensures your physical, mental and psychosocial wellbeing matters, so you feel supported, safe and holistically well.
Essential Requirements
Hold Australian or NZ citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or a valid visa to work in Australia
Undertake relevant pre-employment checks such as Working with Children Check,Criminal Record Check, and Conduct Service Check
Possess legal qualifications
Be admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW
Provide a current NSW Practising Certificate before you start work with us
Capacity to travel regularly, and to regional and remote areas
Be a registered practitioner of the High Court of Australia as per provisions of section 55B of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth)
Download the Role Description to explore the role in-depth.
We may use this recruitment to create a Talent Pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.
Apply Now!
Closing Date: Wednesday 2 September at 11.59pm
Your application is your chance to show why you’re a strong match for this role.
Please provide:
A current resume (up to 5 pages)
A cover letter (up to 2 pages) addressing the below targeted questions:
Target Question 1: Can you outline your experience working in family law and care and protection matters?
Target Question 2: Tell us about your experience supporting clients facing social or economic disadvantage. How do you apply trauma-informed practices in your work?
We’re here to help
Legal Aid NSW is committed to a recruitment process that is inclusive and barrier free.
For accessibility support or recruitment adjustments, please contact Emma Smeaton, Senior Recruitment Officer at
[email protected] or (02) 134 9347.
For information on Recruitment and Workplace Adjustments, visit Adjustments for individual needs | I Work for NSW.
For more information about the recruitment process and working at Legal Aid NSW view our Candidate Information Pack.
For role specific enquiries, contact Samantha Johnston, A/Senior Solicitor (Family Law),
[email protected] or (02) 6650 6008.
For recruitment enquiries, contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 9134 9347 or via
[email protected].
Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to connect with the Legal Aid NSW Aboriginal Services Branch for a yarn.
For guidance on preparing for interviews, explore the NSW Public Sector’s interactive Capability Application Tool.
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
We look forward to receiving your application!
