Job: 2024-102 | Full-Time | Permanent | Parramatta, NSW
- Start your legal career at the ALS
- Provide high-quality legal advice on care & protection matters
- Conduct community legal education and outreach programs
Primary Purpose of the Role
The primary responsibility of the Solicitor (Care & Protection Law Practice) is to undertake high quality legal advice and representation to clients, in Care and Protection matters.
The position holder will be required to prepare and research representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in Care & Protection matters.
Why Join the ALS Team?
At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people 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 people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture.
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities.
As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:
- Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay
- Annual leave loading of 17.5%
- Career and professional development opportunities
- Access to personal counselling for you and your family
- Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave
- Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you
About the Role
The Solicitor is part of the Care & Protection team.
The Care & Protection Team focuses on child welfare cases such as child protection, foster care, adoption, custody disputes, juvenile justice, and early intervention services. It also provides outreach, education, and referrals related to child and family legal matters.
The Solicitor will be responsible for:
- Providing legal advice, minor assistance, and duty solicitor services to Aboriginal clients on Care & Protection matters.
- Representing clients, including appearing for clients, instructing counsel when necessary and participating in dispute resolution including negotiating early resolution of litigation.
- Making recommendations about merit and exercising discretion in Care & Protection matters.
- Organising and presenting information sessions for current and potential clients and conducting Community Legal Education and Outreach as required.
- Assisting with the preparation of printed promotional materials and/or information booklets and pamphlets.
- The delivery of early intervention legal services including advice and non-court assistance to clients
About You
We're looking for someone who brings:
- Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately).
- Up-to-date knowledge of Care and Protection Laws.
- Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal peoples.
- Current valid unrestricted NSW Drivers license and a willingness to drive in metropolitan and country locations, if required.
Pre-Employment Requirements
ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and National Police History check.
How to Apply
- View the full position description
- Please send an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected] (Subject Title: Ref 2024-102 Graduate Solicitor)
- When sending your application, please ensure you include the reference number 2024-102 in subject title
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected]
Please apply promptly, as we may shortlist and commence interviews within the advertising period.
