Litigation Support Officer (Cairns) - Targeted

Legal Aid Queensland; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

36.25 hours per week

Superannuation contributions 12.75%

Study leave for approved work-related

First Nations mentoring

Confidential counselling for First NAt

Job summary

Legal Aid Queensland in Cairns is seeking a Litigation Support Officer to manage case file administration, draft affidavits, prepare court documents, and assist lawyers in preparing for matters. You will handle front counter duties, coordinate with clients, interpreters and experts, schedule appointments and court appearances, and ensure proper filing and archiving.

The role is a temporary full-time appointment to 30 June 2027 with potential extensions, with part-time consideration for suitable

Qualifications

• You have legal administrative experience and can work independently using IT systems.
• You have knowledge of trauma-informed practice principles.
• You communicate effectively with stakeholders including clients with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage administrative activities for case files including opening, closing, archiving and data entry.
• Assist lawyers by preparing correspondence, affidavits and court documents.
• Compile briefs for counsel and collect relevant material.
• Act as first point of contact, provide legal information and referrals.
• Schedule appointments, arrange interpreters, rooms, travel and conferences.
• Process grants/aid requests, issue cheques and submissions.
• Coordinate court lists, materials and direct clients at court.
• Provide secretariat support and maintain records and equipment.
• Assist with front counter duties as required.

Skills

Legal administration experience

Communication with stakeholders

Trauma-informed practice knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Litigation Support Officer (Cairns) - Targeted

Legal Aid Queensland is committed to building and maintaining a strong First Nations workforce and building our cultural capability. This is a targeted vacancy under section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply and may be prioritised in this process. Please note that this position is open to everyone and works with all clients and staff, not predominately or exclusively with First Nations clients and staff.

Legal Aid Queensland acknowledges and respects the Traditional Custodians of the land where our offices stand, and where we work to help disadvantaged Queenslanders uphold their legal rights in our justice system.

• 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.

For First Nations employees:

• First Nations mentoring
• Free confidential counselling sessions for your family with a First Nations provider
• WFH options and cultural leave
• Opportunities to consult on First Nations work being done
• Compulsory cultural awareness and safety training for all staff

Check out our First Nations Strategic Plan