Principal Solicitor

Sydney, NSW
Permanent
Full-time

2 months ago

Lead a specialist legal service supporting people with cognitive disabilities
Shape systemic change and access to justice across NSW
Senior leadership role in a values-driven, inclusive organisation

The OrganisationThe Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) is a unique and specialist community legal centre providing legal and advocacy support for people with intellectual disability and/or cognitive impairments across New South Wales. As the only service of its kind in Australia, IDRS operates with a strong human rights focus to empower individuals who are often excluded from equal access to justice.IDRS operates two key programs: the Ability Rights Centre (ARC), offering free civil and criminal legal services to people with cognitive impairment, and the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS), a 24/7 statewide support program for people with cognitive impairments in police and court settings. Together, these programs make a critical difference in the lives of over 3,000 people each year.Benefits & Culture

Be part of a passionate and skilled team working towards justice and inclusion
High-impact role in a respected and growing organisation
Central Sydney location, with hybrid working arrangements
Flexible, supportive, and inclusive work environment
Generous salary packaging options
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Strong focus on staff wellbeing, collaboration, and values-driven leadership

The RoleIn this senior leadership position, you will lead the Ability Rights Centre community legal service, managing complex legal matters while supervising a team of solicitors, advocates and administrative staff to deliver high-quality, client-centred services.The role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a strong understanding of legal practice, staff leadership, and the unique challenges faced by clients with cognitive impairments. You’ll play a key part in shaping systemic outcomes and advocating for change while ensuring day-to-day service excellence.Specifically you will:

Deliver expert legal advice and representation on complex matters involving people with cognitive disabilities
Provide professional supervision, mentoring and legal oversight to ARC staff
Lead engagement with courts, tribunals, government bodies and other stakeholders
Contribute to legal policy, law reform and the broader strategic direction of IDRS

Skills RequiredYou are an experienced and compassionate legal professional with a strong commitment to social justice and particularly people with cognitive disabilities. Your legal expertise is matched by your ability to lead and mentor a team, manage complex legal matters, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, rights-based services. You understand the challenges that people with intellectual disability face when navigating the legal system, and you are passionate about removing those barriers.You’ll bring sound judgement, leadership, and a collaborative approach to your work. You are confident working in a high-volume environment, balancing operational responsibilities with strategic oversight, and you thrive in roles that require both legal acumen and team development.Key requirements include:

Eligibility to hold a NSW practising certificate and significant post-admission experience
Demonstrated leadership and supervision of staff in legal or advocacy settings
Strong communication, legal drafting, and client engagement skills
Experience working with and/or advocating for people with cognitive disabilities
Experience working in a community legal service or knowledge of the community legal sector

If you're a skilled legal practitioner with leadership experience and a passion for equity and inclusion, we’d love to hear from you. Join IDRS in making a real difference for people with cognitive disabilities. Please submit your resume and a cover letter responding to the skills required quoting ref #1354721. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Hayley Martin on 02 8243 0570.Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possibleNGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.

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