Principal Lawyer – Family Law Services

About the role

This senior legal position leads the Violence Prevention Advocacy team at Legal Aid Queensland, delivering high‑quality family law services to vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders. The Principal Lawyer provides strategic representation, early intervention and alternative dispute resolution across family law, domestic violence and child protection matters.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and supervise a team of professional and administrative staff, including performance management, recruitment and development plans.
• Oversee legal and administrative work, train and guide staff statewide and external practitioners.
• Lead, monitor and report on operational performance, ensuring compliance with professional and corporate standards.
• Represent clients in family law, domestic and family violence, child protection and related matters, including preparing briefs and appearing in court.
• Develop and improve systems for file allocation, workflow and administration.
• Deliver continuing professional development and community legal education.
• Conduct quality audits, file reviews and investigate client complaints.
• Contribute to policy development, law reform and service delivery initiatives.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with extensive experience in family law, domestic violence and child protection.
• Proven leadership experience managing legal teams and supervising staff.
• Strong analytical, advocacy and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Ability to develop policies, procedures and contribute to law reform.

Required skills