PEOPLE across the Moree Plains will soon have increased access to legal help, with the announcement Legal Aid NSW will establish a permanent office in the town.
And ahead of the opening in the first half of this year, a recruitment drive is underway to fill four positions at the new premises.
For many years, Legal Aid NSW has provided services in Moree on a fly-in, fly-out basis, but locals will soon be able to seek help from a team of staff based at a dedicated office.
The new office will provide legal help and free advice to disadvantaged people in north-western New South Wales about legal issues affecting them.
The Make a Difference recruitment drive has commenced and Legal Aid NSW encourages people to apply for four roles at the Moree office.
- Solicitor in charge, who will oversee the operations of the office;
- Criminal law solicitor;
- Office manager, who will run office administrative operations; and
- Aboriginal field officer, who will help First Nations communities.
The roles come with generous benefits, including a remote-living allowance, a week of additional annual leave, and vehicle leasing assistance.
Nearly 61 per cent of Legal Aid clients live in regional parts of New South Wales.
Cost-of-living pressures are driving up demand for legal support, especially in areas where people are isolated, facing disadvantage and dealing with limited access to support services.
Jake Fing at Moree Court House. He said establishing a permanent NSW Legal Aid office in Moree is an opportunity to bring about positive change.
Legal Aid NSW lawyer, Jake Fing, formerly of Moree, said the positions provide exciting opportunities for people who want to make a significant difference in a regional area.
“As someone originally from Moree, I know how rewarding it is to deliver legal support in a country location and to be able to give back to help families in the community,” Mr Fing said.
“The roles provide an opportunity to develop and build upon our strong community relationships and deal with a wide variety of interesting and stimulating legal issues.
“I always feel a strong sense of accomplishment, knowing I can help individuals and families and give back to the Moree community.
“It is also a great spot for city people seeking a tree-change that’s combined with a very fulfilling job, and a strong community spirit.”
Mr Fing said establishing a permanent base in Moree is an opportunity to bring about positive change.
“The opening of the Moree office is an exciting time, and demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to ensuring people living in Moree and the surrounding areas are afforded the same access to legal support as other communities throughout the state,” Mr Fing said.
“The time has come to build a permanent presence to provide even more critical support to those needing it.”
Legal Aid NSW acting CEO, Rob Hoyles, said establishing new offices in Moree was ground-breaking.
“The opening of our new office is a milestone for Legal Aid NSW and for the people of Moree,” Mr Hoyles said.
“This is an area of significant demand which is why we are committed to ensuring locals have the same access to high quality legal services as those in metropolitan areas.
“We are excited to improve access to justice in northern New South Wales and we will work closely with other services in the region to support the Moree community,” he said.
“The positions we are hiring for are an outstanding opportunity for professionals to take the next step in their careers.
“The roles also provide generous salary components and the chance to live in a part of New South Wales with many lifestyle benefits,” Mr Hoyles said.
Legal Aid NSW Moree employment overviews
Solicitor Grade I Iii Crime Ongoing Moree
The Solicitor in Charge will oversee the operations of the office.
This role will be a great opportunity for a lawyer to help establish the office and provide assistance to manage and guide the new team to deliver high-quality legal services. The SIC will ideally have experience in crime, family or civil law.
Go to: Solicitor Grade I Iii Crime Ongoing Moree
Office Manager Role Clerk Grade 5 6 Ongoing Moree
The Office Manager will support the SIC to oversee the operations of the office and work towards ensuring the highest levels of client and customer service. The OM will also be responsible for leading the administrative support offered to solicitors and other staff across the office.
Go to: Office Manager Role Clerk Grade 5 6 Ongoing Moree
Solicitor In Charge Grade Vi Ongoing Moree
This role will provide criminal law advice and representation to clients involved in criminal law proceedings. This role will be key to delivering high-quality legal services that assist clients to resolve their legal problems.
Go to: Solicitor In Charge Grade Vi Ongoing Moree
Aboriginal Field Officer Clerk Grade 5 6
“Aboriginal Field Officers (AFOs) play a key role within a number of communities across NSW. AFOs work tirelessly to increase access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a variety of work such as community engagement, outreach and community legal education and information sessions. AFOs work closely with solicitors and other Legal Aid staff to ensure the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are met at all stages of their involvement in the justice system.”
Go to: Aboriginal Field Officer Clerk Grade 5 6
NSW Legal Aid recruitment drive
All positions now open.
To view all employment opportunities simultaneously, go to Moree Legal Aid Positions Available or tap the advertisement on the Moree Online News homepage.
