Graduate Lawyer or Paralegal

About us

Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI) is an independent, community-based advocacy organisation for people with disability. QAI’s mission is to advocate for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland.

The organisation does this by engaging in systemic advocacy through campaigns directed at attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives in this State, in addition to individual advocacy, provided through three advocacy practices.

As QAI is a social advocacy organisation, it works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.

About the role

The Graduate Lawyer or Paralegal will provide support to QAI’s Advocacy Practices and administration team, under the supervision of the Principal Solicitors. The Graduate Lawyer or Paralegal will provide a high standard of information, referral and assessment to clients and organisations contacting QAI and is responsible for undertaking a wide range of client and administrative support duties, in line with the changing strategic and operational requirements of the organisation to deliver quality services to our community.

Key Position Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Accept referrals from relevant stakeholders and take bookings for client advice appointments and/or for representation matters.
Manage the QAI’s solicitors’ and advocates’ calendars, including booking client advice appointments and representation matters.
Open client files, including performing intake and taking initial client instructions, entry into the client management database, preparation of hard copy and electronic files and opening file correspondence.
Provide support to QAI’s solicitors’ and advocates for various matters including assisting with follow up with relevant stakeholders, tribunals, courts and clients as required.
Assist with QAI’s pro bono volunteer solicitor matters as directed, including preparing briefs and liaising with clients and relevant stakeholders.
Close client files, including liaising with the client post advice or representation and preparation of closing file letter and completing close file procedures to finalise client matters.
Provision of information and referral in relation to enquiries for assistance.
Answering telephones and emails and assisting with client intake across QAI’s Advocacy Practices.
Perform relevant aspects of legal and practical research as required.
Preparation of submissions, court documents and legal correspondence under the supervision of the Principal Solicitors and QAI solicitors and/or advocates.
At times, providing extended assistance to clients within the scope of QAI’s Advocacy

Selection Criteria

Essential

Admitted solicitor with a current Queensland Practising Certificate or eligibility for one AND/OR;
Experience as a paralegal, or experience in office administration in a legal environment AND;
Strong computer competency and proficient in the use of Microsoft office including, word, excel and outlook;
Excellent interpersonal & verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate sensitively with clients and other people from diverse backgrounds.
Attention to detail and highly developed organisational skills to identify priorities, manage workload, and maintain records within a resource-poor community legal service.
It is a requirement that all practitioners appearing in the MHRT meet the Department of Health Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) screening requirements.

Desirable

Previous experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or with the Community Legal Assistance Services System (CLASS), would be advantageous;
Experience working with people with mental health impairments or disability.
Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld), Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), the Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld), the Forensic Disability Act 2011 (Qld), the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld), the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and related legislation.
Current Queensland drivers’ licence and ability to travel.