In-house Family Law Solicitor

The In-House Family Law Solicitor provides independent legal advice and professional legal assessment to JustFund in relation to family law litigation funding matters. The role applies legal reasoning and professional judgment to assess case prospects, advise on the future successful outcome of the clients family law matters,enforceability, and legal risk relevant to funding decisions. The role requires admission as an Australian legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of NSW and a current practising certificate.

Acting in a professional legal capacity, the in-house Solicitor, interprets and applies family law legislation and provides formal legal advice to the internal funding committee regarding the legal merits of proposed and existing funding arrangements. The Solicitor assesses case viability, litigation prospects, procedural processes, recovery prospects, and litigation risk arising from property and parenting proceedings. The position requires strong knowledge of family law principles, court processes, and dispute resolution, combined with the ability to communicate complex legal information clearly to a multidisciplinary team and to clients.

This role directly contributes to maintaining the integrity, compliance, and ethical standards of JustFund’s funding framework while promoting fair, transparent, and equitable access to justice for clients.

Benefits

Task & responsibilities

Client and Law Firm Engagement

●    Liaise with clients and family law practitioners to obtain instructions and assess the legal merits of family law proceedings relevant to funding decisions, ensuring clear communication and accurate documentation. 

●    Conduct structured client interviews to understand the nature of their legal dispute, procedural posture, and financial circumstances to determine the nature of their family law cases, assessing the legal merits of their claims under the Family Law Act 1975.

●    Provide informed, practical guidance to clients regarding funding options, obligations, and legal considerations.

●    Maintain professional communication with external solicitors and law firms to monitor litigation progress, obtain updated court materials, and identify legal developments affecting prospects of success or enforceability.

In-House Legal Analysis and Case Assessment

●    Review and analyse family court documents, affidavits, pleadings, financial statements, court orders, expert reports, settlement proposals, consent orders and legal correspondence.

●    Interpret and apply family law legislation and relevant authorities to assess the prospects of success in family law proceedings, including likely court outcomes, and the legal basis of claims by third parties.

●    Evaluate enforceability of court orders, and legal prospects of recovery arising from property settlements.

●    Identify key legal, procedural, evidentiary and litigation risks that may impact case viability or enforceability outcomes. 

●    Prepare detailed written legal opinions outlining litigation prospects, legal risk exposure, and enforceability analysis relevant to funding decisions.

●    Monitor ongoing funded matters and provide updated legal advice on material developments, procedural changes, settlement negotiations, or judicial determinations affecting legal risk or recovery prospects.

In-House Legal Advisory Role

●    Act in a professional capacity as an in-house Solicitor, providing independent and objective legal advice to the internal funding committee and senior management.

●    Prepare written legal briefing papers and recommendations addressing legal merits, litigation strategy considerations and risk analysis.

●    Attend committee meetings to explain complex legal issues, respond to queries, and provide considered professional recommendations on legal principles.

●    Identify and escalate matters involving heightened legal risks, and advise on legal risk mitigation strategies including enforceability safeguards and compliance measures.

●    Ensure that all legal advice is evidence-based, balanced, and consistent with professional conduct obligations and applicable legislation and JustFund’s internal policies and professional standards.

Legal Risk Management and Compliance

●    Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory obligations, including solicitor conduct rules, confidentiality requirements, conflicts management, and ethical practice standards.

●    Maintain accurate legal records and documentation of advice provided, case assessments, and risk analyses in accordance with JustFund’s audit and regulatory requirements.

●    Contribute to the continuous refinement of internal legal assessment methodologies, case review procedures, and legal evaluation frameworks.

●    Provide legal advice on drafting and review of funding agreements, contractual documentation, and internal policies to ensure legal enforceability and risk mitigation.

Professional Contribution

●    Collaborate with internal counsel, portfolio management personnel in a legal advisory capacity, and committee members to deliver high-quality, legally sound and defensible decision-making.

●    Provide legal advice on the drafting and enforceability of lending policies, contractual documentation, and risk mitigation provision.

●    Share legal knowledge and insights to support internal capability development and professional learning.

●    Contribute to a collaborative, ethical, and client-focused culture in line with JustFund’s mission and service values.

Qualification & experience

●    Strong legal analysis and drafting skills, with the ability to synthesise complex case information into clear, actionable advice.

●    Deep understanding of family law principles, court processes, and litigation funding considerations.

●    Proven ability to assess case prospects, identify risks, and provide objective legal recommendations.

●    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with clients, lawyers, and multidisciplinary internal teams.

●    High level of professional judgment, discretion, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical obligations.

●    Organised and adaptable, with the capacity to manage multiple matters and deliver within tight timelines.

●    Demonstrates integrity, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions with clients, law firms, and colleagues.

●    Uphold the ethical obligations of an Australian legal practitioner in all profession interactions, including confidentiality, conflict avoidance, and ethical decision-making.

●    Applies legal expertise pragmatically to support responsible, transparent funding practices.

●    Commits to accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of work.

●    Embodies JustFund’s service values, contributing to an equitable and client-centred funding process.