Litigation Support Officer (Cairns)

Legal Aid Queensland; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary packaging

Study leave for approved work-related"

Job summary

Legal Aid Queensland in Cairns Regional is seeking a capable legal administrative officer on a temporary full-time basis until 30 June 2027, with a possibility of extension.

You will manage case file administration, assist lawyers with court documents, coordinate appointments and travel, handle front counter duties, and liaise with clients with complex needs in a trauma-informed environment.

Qualifications

• Legal administrative experience and ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice is preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage administrative activities for case files (open/close/archive, filing, data entry).
• Assist lawyers in preparing matters, affidavits, court documents/subpoenas.
• Compile briefs for counsel and coordinate document material.

Skills

Legal admin experience

Independent worker

IT systems (MS Office)

Trauma informed practice

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• This position is temporary full time from date of appointment till 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension.
• Part time may be considered for the right applicant/s.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the following:

• Manage administrative activities associated with a case file including opening, closing and archiving files; transcribing; filing and service of documents; data entry and searches.
• Help the lawyers prepare for matters including preparing correspondence, keeping detailed file notes, gathering personal information from clients, drafting affidavits and preparing court documents/ subpoenas.
• Compile briefs for counsel including photocopying, indexing, typing instructions and collection of relevant material.
• Act as the first point of contact and manage all incoming calls including providing legal information, referral advice and help clients prepare applications and legal documents.
• Help lawyers prioritise daily tasks and maintain appointments and calendars including scheduling appointments with clients, interpreters, experts and other relevant stakeholders. Also make bookings for rooms, videoconferences, flights, accommodation and hire cars.
• Ensure appropriate grants of aid are allocated to files, process requests for grants or extensions of aid using elodge, pay accounts, generate cheques and prepare submissions to grants.
• Obtain court lists, organise material, coordinate and direct clients at court. Help counsel at conferences and attend court to take and relay instructions as required.
• Help with administrative activities including providing a secretariat function, preparing spreadsheets, maintaining equipment and supplies, mail, records management and other activities as directed.
• Assist with front counter duties as required.

About You

• You have legal administrative experience and can work independently, use information technology systems (eg. Microsoft Office) and learn organisation specific programs.
• You have knowledge of the principles of trauma informed practice.
• You can communicate effectively with stakeholders including clients with complex needs, you remain calm and positive in difficult situations and provide courteous, prompt and professional services.

What we offer you

• Generous salary packaging
• 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• 12.75% employer super contributions
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.