Graduate and Junior Solicitor roles, Family Violence Prevention Unit - Canberra or Nowra Location
Full time fixed term contract to 31 December 2023
COVID-19 (double) vaccination is a condition of employment at the ALS.
About the ALS
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) is a proud Aboriginal community-controlled organisation. As Australia’s first community legal service provider, we’ve been fighting for justice and equity for over 50 years.
We provide free advice and representation in criminal law, children’s care and protection law, and family law for tens of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every year. We also run community programs to improve the lives of our people. We are well recognised for our work at the forefront of law reform and community advocacy.
The ALS has recently received funding in order to provide legal services in Canberra, ACT and on the South Coast of NSW (in Nowra) through the Family Violence Protection Unit (FVPU). This is a holistic service providing legal representation, advice, casework assistance and referrals to Aboriginal families impacted or affected by family violence, and related issues such as homelessness or contact with child protection. The FVPU also seeks to provide early support around intervention and community education around alternative pathways to ensure children are not removed from families and communities.
Benefits of working with us
We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment, where you can develop and grow. We’re passionate about what we do and we work hard.
The ALS values the health and wellbeing of our employees and we are proud to offer flexible work practices and additional leave entitlements.
Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.
About the role
We are wanting to fill Graduate and Junior solicitor roles to form our newly created FVPU within ALS’s Care and Protection and Family Practice. Roles can be based in Canberra or Nowra.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Providing high quality and culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in domestic violence, care and protection and family law and assisting them in resolving their legal problems and undertaking court responsibilities.
- Supporting the state-wide helpline by providing legal advice and referrals to vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients experiencing family and domestic violence.
- Attending Duty Lawyer Services for domestic violence matters at designated local courts.
- Providing considered, independent, balanced and professional legal advice in the areas of family law, care & protection and civil law.
- Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of a diverse range of emerging legal issues, case law and court procedures.
- Maintaining and enhancing professional competence, including maintaining a practising certificate, keeping abreast of legal developments, changes in ALS policies, systems, guidelines, practices and community needs.
- Communicating with, taking instructions from, and effectively representing Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander clients experiencing family and domestic violence who may present as distressed, have a physical or intellectual disability, or have problem behaviours such as drug or alcohol addictions, when the legal concepts involved are complex and difficult for the client to understand.
- Ensuring the lawful achievement of ALS core business objectives to the highest standards of probity and efficiency, and with due reference to the interests of all stakeholders.
- Maintaining all files in an orderly and professional manner, including the recording of all data for statistical purposes.
- Contributing to submissions on law reform and policy, and representing the ALS-FVPLS at meetings with stakeholders, conferences and seminars as directed.
- Delivering targeted community legal education on family and domestic violence to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and clients.
What you’ll bring to the role
To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate:
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and staff.
- Legal qualifications and a current NSW or ACT Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately).
- Up-to-date knowledge of and experience in Domestic Violence, Care & Protection and Family Law matters in either NSW or the ACT, including court practice and procedure.
- Understanding of the dynamics of family and domestic violence and its effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
- Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
- Capacity and motivation to provide quality legal representation to Aboriginal people
- Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines, work autonomously and manage a diverse workload
- Excellent analytical and research skills.
- A willingness and ability to travel to ALS’ various offices (regional and metropolitan), conferences (local and interstate) and events.
- Covid-19 double vaccinated
How to apply
Click on the link below to download the application package. Please submit the completed application package to Zoe De Re, Acting Principal Solicitor (Care, Protection/Family Law Practice Email [email protected] or phone 02 6623 4450
Applications for this position close at midnight, Wednesday 2 February 2022.