Canberra ACT | Part-time | Fixed-term (June 2025)
This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Primary purpose of the role
The primary responsibility of the Paralegal (Canberra) is to assist Solicitors in the delivery of high-quality legal support services to Aboriginal clients.
The position holder will be responsible for undertaking a range of high quality and efficient paralegal and administrative tasks supporting primarily the Canberra Criminal Law Practice and other practice areas within the Canberra office as required.
Why Join the ALS NSW/ACT team?
At Aboriginal Legal Services NSW/ACT you will make an impactful change. You have the chance to change lives and bring social justice and equity for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
Our focus is our people; the people we support, and the team we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our workforce and appreciate the rich diversity they represent of life experience, languages, and culture. Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time for the ALS, with both our services and teams growing significantly. We recently received additional government funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating unprecedented opportunities for the ALS and our communities. For many of our staff making a real difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities and working with a great, supportive team is its own reward. We appreciate that, but we want our team to know that we value them so offer benefits such as:
- Salary packaging options and novated car leasing
- Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
- Career and professional development opportunities
- Access to personal counselling for you and your family
- A range of additional paid leave, paid parental and study leave
- Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake administrative tasks within the Canberra Criminal Law Practice and other practice areas within the Canberra office as required, including opening new files drafting and filing applications, communicating with clients and their families, rehabilitation facilities and other relevant service providers all within agreed timeframes
- Organise client files for the next week’s court dates Input of statistical data into CMS database including opening, closing, archiving files and other general data entry
- Liaise with Police, Barristers, DPP, Solicitors, Court Staff, Corrective Services other ALS staff members and stakeholders for specified tasks as requested by solicitors including sending briefs, confirming dates, making appointments
- Prepare correspondence, briefs of evidence, subpoenas, affidavits, court reports and other documents.
- Maintain the court attendance board/roster on a daily basis
- Photocopying and receipt, transmission and recording of communications
- Assist clients with non-court matters and referrals
- Perform other reasonable duties as directed and keep up to date on identifying training needs
About you
The successful incumbent will demonstrate:
- A knowledge of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities, and the social issues affecting those communities
- Commitment to the principles of social justice
- Capacity to behave in a culturally appropriate manner
- Proven computer systems skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook and typing skills with a minimum of 35 wpm
- Excellent phone manner and communication skills and experience in operating a small to medium switchboard
- Demonstrated organisational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work independently in a team environment with limited supervision
- Excellent problem-solving skills
How to apply
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Please submit the completed application package to [email protected]
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact [email protected]
Applications for this position close on Monday 20 November.
