Generalist Solicitor – Civil Law

Hunter Community Legal Centre 

SCHADS 4-5

Job description 

12 Month Fixed-Term Contract 

• Salary dependent on experience 

• Salary sacrifice arrangements available 

• Flexible working hours and working from home arrangements are available 

• Full-time position, however, part-time and job-share arrangements will be considered for the right candidate(s) 

Who we are 

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) across Australia provide access to justice to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community. Our Centre has over 30 years of experience as a CLC and provides free legal assistance and community legal education to people living and working in the Hunter region. 

Hunter CLC's Generalist Team provides legal assistance across a broad range of areas, including Apprehended Domestic and Personal Violence Order (ADVO & APVO) matters, employment, consumer law, traffic matters, fines and penalties, credit and debt, motor vehicle accidents, coronial matters, missing persons, and victims' services. 

Hunter CLC is based in our Newcastle office and operates 9–5 Monday to Friday, with flexible working arrangements available. Periodic travel may be required to provide court duty services, outreach clinics and community legal education programs throughout the Hunter region. 

About the role 

Working as part of the Generalist/Civil Law Team and under the supervision of the Senior Solicitor and Principal Solicitor, the primary objective of this role is to provide high-quality legal advice and assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged clients experiencing a broad range of civil law and minor criminal law issues. 

This 12-month fixed-term position is ideally suited to an early-career or junior solicitor seeking to develop their legal skills within a supportive Community Legal Centre environment. The successful candidate will receive mentoring and supervision while building experience across a diverse range of legal matters. 

The role involves: 

• Providing legal advice and assistance across a range of civil law and related matters 

• Assisting clients with ADVO and APVO matters, including duty services where required  

• Supporting clients to self-represent, with some ongoing casework and representation where appropriate 

• Conducting legal research and preparing legal correspondence and court documents 

• Delivering legal assistance through outreach clinics and community-based services 

• Participating in community legal education activities and stakeholder engagement initiatives 

The majority of Hunter CLC's client work is delivered via telephone advice, with the aim of equipping clients to self-represent and resolve their legal issues. 

To be successful, you must be able to communicate effectively with clients from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, including those experiencing distress, trauma, disability, behavioural challenges or complex personal circumstances. 

Hunter CLC solicitors are also expected to undertake ongoing professional development and contribute to maintaining high standards of legal practice. 

Non-legal work such as community legal education, policy development and community engagement also forms an important part of the role. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Provide accurate, independent and client-focused legal advice across a broad range of civil law and related matters 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and court procedures 

• Assist clients to self-represent and, where appropriate, provide ongoing casework, representation and/or prepare briefs for counsel 

• Appear in court and instruct counsel where required 

• Ensure all work complies with Hunter CLC policies, ethical standards and WHS obligations 

• Maintain files in an orderly and professional manner, including accurate data collection and reporting 

• Contribute to the achievement of Hunter CLC's objectives with professionalism, integrity and efficiency 

• Participate in outreach services, duty lawyer services and community legal education initiatives 

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate: 

• A strong commitment to social justice 

• Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain immediately) 

• Knowledge of general civil law practice and procedure in New South Wales 

• Demonstrated ability to identify and understand legal issues affecting vulnerable and disadvantaged clients 

• Excellent written, verbal communication and time management skills 

• Ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear, client-friendly manner 

• Strong organisational and file management skills 

• Computer literacy and ability to prepare legal correspondence 

Desirable 

• Experience appearing in the Local Court or providing Local Court advocacy 

• Experience working in a Community Legal Centre or similar environment 

• Experience delivering outreach services or community legal education programs 

Other requirements 

• Current valid NSW Driver's Licence and willingness to travel throughout the Hunter region (desirable) 

How to apply 

Please apply via Seek. 

Applications must include: 

• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria AND

• A current resume 

All applicants will be required to undergo criminal record and Working with Children Checks. 

For enquiries, please contact Hunter Community Legal Centre on (02) •••• •121 or email adm••@hunterclc.org.au. 

CLOSING DATE: Applications close 11:59 pm Sunday, 21 June 2026. We encourage applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be assessed as they are received and the position may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.  

Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility  

We value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued and supported.  

We encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.  

We are also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require assistance or reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application process, please contact our team using the details provided above. 

Talent Pool and Future Vacancies 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a Talent Pool. Applicants may be offered a future role without the need to reapply. A Talent Pool may be used for up to 18 months.