AddressA leading, boutique WA Family Law specialist firm based in West Perth. With 15 staff covering a range of HNW and family violence matters, this company offers staff a supportive, professional workplace and career pathway.
JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Lawyer will provide expert legal support and advice to clients in relation to family law and violence restraining order matters. He or she will take instructions from clients and advise on the necessary courses of legal action.
The Associate Lawyer will represent clients in the Family or other Court as necessary.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Meet with and interview clients with the Legal Directors to establish the firm’s suitability to provide the necessary advice and services based on the like costs and the client’s ability to pay.
2. Take client’s instructions.
3. Advise a client on the law and legal issues relating to their case.
4. Draft documents and correspondence tailored to the client’s individual needs.
5. Negotiate with clients and other involved professionals to secure agreed objectives.
6. Research and analyse documents and case law to ensure the accuracy of advice and procedure.
7. Correspond with clients, other parties or other party solicitors, expert witnesses and other professionals involved in the matter.
8. Attend meetings and negotiations with parties/solicitors as necessary.
9. Represent clients in Court as necessary.
10. Prepare Court documents and file with the Court within required time frames.
11. Instruct in-house counsel in the case of matters going to trial and prepare and file the necessary trial documents.
12. Delegate work to Legal Assistant as necessary.
13. Consult regularly with the Legal Directors as necessary.
14. Arrange and attend further client meetings where necessary to progress the matter and finalise documentation.
15. Check all documentation for accuracy and clarify prior to signature and implementation.
16. Ensure all time worked on a matter is accounted for in Filepro with brief, accurate and concise description of work carried out.
17. Ensure Practice Manager is advised of any disbursements which may need to be recorded on a matter.
18. Ensure clients are aware of the financial policies of the firm in relation to billing and funds in trust.
19. Keep up to date with the financial situation of clients in relation to monies owing to the firm.
20. Attend, from time to time, as a representative of the firm at the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre.
21. Keep up to date with changes and developments in the law by reading journals and law reports.
22. Attend Wednesday morning diary meetings and any scheduled training sessions.
23. Undertake a range of continuing professional development activities to ensure currency of knowledge of family law and to comply with the requirements for renewal of practice certificate.
24. Be familiar and comply with the requirements of the:
- Family Law Act 1975
- Family Court Act 1997
- Family Court Rules 2021
- Legal Profession Uniform Law (WA) 2022
1. A high level of interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, Court staff and other professionals.
2. A sound knowledge of the Family Law Act 1975 and Rules.
3. Superior written and verbal skills.
4. Attention to accuracy and clarity in written and verbal communications.
5. The ability to work under supervision from the Legal Directors.
6. Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook.
7. Competent in the use of Filepro (or similar) legal practice management software.
8. Professional personal presentation.
