Principal Solicitor - Community Legal Centre

Principal Solicitor | Community Legal Centre

Broken Hill, NSW | Full-time | Fixed-term to 30 June 2030
$109,251 - $132,928 + super + salary packaging up to $15,834 tax-free, Relocation assistance provided

A meaningful legal career. A different way of life.

Ready for a change of pace, a new challenge and the opportunity to make a genuine difference?

We're looking for an experienced Principal Solicitor to lead the legal practice of a Community Legal Centre based in Broken Hill, supporting people experiencing disadvantage across Far West NSW.

This is more than a senior legal position. It's an opportunity to combine hands-on legal work, professional leadership and service development, while building a life in one of Australia's most distinctive regional cities.

You'll have the opportunity to make a visible difference in the community, develop a legal team and help shape the future of access to justice across the region.

And with funding secured through to 30 June 2030, this is an opportunity to make a considered move, build lasting relationships and contribute to something beyond a short-term regional appointment.

The opportunity: Lead, practise and make an impact

This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll remain closely involved in legal advice, casework, advocacy and representation while taking responsibility for the quality, direction and development of the legal practice.

You'll lead and support a team of solicitors, provide professional guidance and help ensure the service delivers high-quality, ethical and accessible legal assistance.

The service provides generalist and family law support, family violence services, duty lawyer assistance, community legal education and outreach across Far West NSW.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing legal advice, casework, advocacy and representation.

• Leading and overseeing high-quality, ethical legal practice.

• Supervising, mentoring and developing solicitors.

• Supporting workload management, professional development and staff wellbeing.

• Overseeing file reviews, quality assurance, risk management and compliance.

• Contributing to service planning, policy development and systemic advocacy.

• Building relationships with courts, government agencies, community organisations and other legal services.

• Supporting community engagement, legal education and outreach across Far West NSW.

You'll travel throughout the region, including outreach to Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe, Tibooburra and White Cliffs. Occasional overnight travel will be required.

You won't be doing it alone. The service is connected to a broader regional legal network, with professional connections across Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounding communities. You'll have opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge and draw on wider professional experience.

What could life in Broken Hill look like?

Let's talk about the move, because we know it's a big part of the decision.

Broken Hill offers a lifestyle that's genuinely different from the major metropolitan centres. It's a regional city with a strong sense of identity, a rich history and a creative community that has made its mark well beyond the outback.

It's known for its galleries, local artists, heritage architecture, independent cafes, pubs and community events. There's a cultural life here that might surprise you, from the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery to the city's music, arts and festival scene.

And when the working week is over, there's plenty to explore beyond the city streets.

Think weekends discovering the Living Desert sculptures, exploring historic Silverton, visiting the Menindee Lakes, getting out into the landscape around Mutawintji National Park or simply enjoying an exceptionally clear outback night sky.

Broken Hill is also the largest regional centre in western NSW and an important service hub for health, education, government and business. It's a place with established services and a community of people who call the region home.

Of course, regional living comes with differences. You'll be further from major metropolitan centres, and travel and access to some services can take more planning. The work itself also covers a large geographic area.

But for someone who values community connection, open space, a different pace of life and the chance to do work that genuinely matters, it could be a very rewarding change.

You don't have to have lived in the country before. What matters is being open to the experience, interested in becoming part of the community and ready to make a meaningful contribution.

Your background could be broader than you think

You don't need to have previously held the title of Principal Solicitor to be considered.

We're interested in speaking with experienced Senior Solicitors, Supervising Solicitors and legal practitioners ready to take the next step, as well as established Principal Solicitors looking for a new challenge.

Your experience might come from:

• Community Legal Centres and the broader legal assistance sector.

• Legal Aid or Aboriginal Legal Services.

• Government legal services.

• Family law and family violence practice.

• Criminal law, court advocacy and duty lawyer services.

• Private practice involving complex matters and vulnerable clients.

What matters most is your legal experience, professional judgement, leadership capability and genuine commitment to people experiencing disadvantage.

What you'll bring

• An Australian legal qualification and admission as an Australian lawyer.

• Eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate and practise as a principal, where applicable.

• Significant experience in legal advice, casework, advocacy and/or representation.

• Experience supervising, mentoring or guiding other legal practitioners.

• A strong understanding of legal ethics, professional responsibility and risk management.

• Experience working with people experiencing disadvantage or complex circumstances.

• A commitment to social justice, human rights and access to justice.

• An understanding of community legal services or a genuine interest in the legal assistance sector.

• A commitment to client-centred, trauma-informed, culturally safe and inclusive practice.

• A current driver's licence and willingness to travel.
  
  

What you'll receive

• $109,251 - $132,928 + superannuation

• Up to $15,834 tax-free salary packaging

• Full-time position, fixed-term to 30 June 2030.

• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Study leave and practical assistance for approved courses.

• Discounted gym and health club membership.

• A supportive, family-friendly working environment.
  
  

Considering a move?

We understand that relocating to Broken Hill is a significant decision, and we'd encourage you to have a proper conversation before ruling it in or out.

Whether you're currently working in a metropolitan legal practice, already based in regional NSW or considering a move from interstate, we'd be happy to talk through the opportunity, the role and what working across Far West NSW involves.

You don't need to have worked in a Community Legal Centre before. If you have the right legal experience, leadership capability and motivation, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV or contact Keelan for a confidential discussion.

Keelan Gandrabur-Hunt
Senior Recruitment Consultant
02 9000 4093
Keelan.gand-hunt@twrecruitment.com.au

Desired Skills and Experience

Lead a regional legal practice while remaining hands-on. Senior Solicitors ready to step up encouraged to apply. $109k-$133k + super + salary packaging.