Senior Solicitor - Kimberley Community Legal Services

Kimberley Community Legal Services; Shire Of Broome; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A community legal service in Western Australia is seeking a Senior Solicitor to provide civil legal advice and support to First Nations clients. The role includes supervising juniors, participating in community outreach, and delivering trauma-informed legal services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil law, excellent advocacy skills, and a commitment to social justice. This position offers competitive remuneration, relocation assistance, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Tax-free salary packaging

Relocation assistance

Subsidised accommodation

5 weeks annual leave

Paid leave during holidays

$165/day meal allowance

Access to Fleet vehicles

Ongoing training

Qualifications

• 5+ years of post admission experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a relevant legal role considered.
• Experience in community legal centre valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide civil legal advice and representation.
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors.
• Deliver holistic legal services with social workers.
• Participate in outreach trips to remote communities.
• Engage in community legal education.

Skills

Civil law

Advocacy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Resilience

Emotional intelligence

Commitment to social justice

Education

Admitted legal practitioner in Australia

Unrestricted practising certificate in Western Australia

Job description

Job Overview

• Earn $116K – $146K + 12% Super + up to $15,900 tax‑free salary packaging!
• Relocation assistance of up to $5,000 for the right candidate
• Up to 4 weeks of subsidised accommodation to support your transition
• Extra paid time off during the Christmas / New Year period!

Support First Nations clients through outreach, advocacy, and holistic lawyering.

Live in Broome, travel the region, and apply legal expertise to empower clients across the West Kimberley.

About KCLS – A Legal Service Like No Other

Kimberley Community Legal Services (KCLS) is an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation providing free civil legal help, financial counselling and social support across the vast Kimberley region of Western Australia. With offices in Broome and Kununurra, KCLS is one of Australia’s most remote community legal centres, supporting both urban and remote First Nations communities.

Known for its multidisciplinary approach, KCLS combines legal practice with social work and advocacy, empowering people to navigate legal challenges in culturally respectful, community‑led ways. The team works collaboratively to ensure holistic support – from legal advice to outreach, education and systemic change.

Learn more: www.kcls.org.au

What This Role Offers

KCLS is seeking a full‑time Senior Solicitor based in Broome, WA – a gateway to meaningful work, professional growth and once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences across the Kimberley. This isn’t just another solicitor role – it’s an opportunity to build trusted relationships with remote communities, partner with multidisciplinary professionals and apply your civil law skills in ways that genuinely change lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide civil legal advice, advocacy and representation in matters including family violence, tenancy, family law (excluding property), child protection, estates and compensation claims.
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, PLTs, interns and pro‑bono contributors.
• Deliver holistic, trauma‑informed legal services in collaboration with social workers and other multidisciplinary team members.
• Participate in regular outreach trips to communities in Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and the Dampier Peninsula.
• Engage in community legal education, stakeholder partnerships and systemic advocacy.
• Contribute to service planning, data collection and reporting required by the Principal Solicitor and CEO.
• Participate in reflective legal practice and peer‑based learning to continually improve client outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with community leaders, agencies and local service providers.

Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must be admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia and hold (or be eligible to hold) an unrestricted practising certificate in Western Australia. While 5+ years of post‑admission experience is preferred for appointment at the Senior Solicitor level, candidates with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a relevant legal role are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a Solicitor position.

Your Experience, Skills and Spirit

• Strong legal skills, with a focus on civil law matters.
• Excellent advocacy, written communication and interpersonal abilities.
• The capacity to explain legal concepts clearly using plain language, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Resilience, adaptability and emotional intelligence in working with vulnerable clients.
• A commitment to social justice and to working respectfully with First Nations clients and communities.

While not essential, the following experience will be highly regarded:

• Prior work in a community legal centre or similar setting.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed or multidisciplinary legal practice.
• Exposure to regional or remote service delivery environments.
• Experience developing or delivering community legal education programs.

Required Conditions

Successful candidates will need (or be able to obtain) a current WA ‘C’ Class Driver’s Licence, a Working with Children Check (WA) and a National Police Clearance.

Additional Qualities We Value

• You bring broad civil law experience, especially in tenancy, family violence, child protection and estates.
• You believe in the power of law to uplift lives and strengthen communities.
• You lead with curiosity, listen with respect and collaborate with care.
• You stay grounded and compassionate in complex or emotionally charged moments.
• You hold yourself to high standards with integrity, reflection and professionalism.
• You are flexible, adventurous and energised by the challenges of practice.
• You're seeking a place where your values align with your work and your work makes a difference.

Benefits that Matter

KCLS offers a competitive remuneration package circa $116,000 – $146,000 (based on skills and experience) PLUS 12% Super, along with a suite of generous benefits:

• Up to $15,900 tax‑free salary packaging.
• Relocation assistance of up to $5,000.
• Up to 4 weeks of subsidised accommodation on arrival.
• 5 weeks of annual leave + 12 additional Days Off in Lieu.
• Paid leave during the Christmas / New Year period.
• $165/day meal and travel allowance for overnight outreach trips.
• Access to Fleet vehicles.
• Ongoing CPD and cultural competency training.
• Supportive, inclusive team culture.
• Flexible working options considered.

How to Apply

This is a rare opportunity to build a meaningful legal career in a dynamic regional setting. The successful candidate will have the chance to work directly with remote communities, contribute to lasting social change and grow in a team that truly values purpose‑driven work.

APPLY TODAY and bring your legal expertise to where it’s needed most.

KCLS is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.