Tamworth NSW and Western NSW | Full-time | Permanent
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity for Intermediate Solicitors to join our Criminal Law Practice across NSW.
ALS currently has one Intermediate Solicitor vacancy in Tamworth, NSW, and are seeking applications from candidates interested in other locations. Candidates are encouraged to apply early as they may be contacted prior to the closing date to fill vacancies as they arise.
The primary responsibility of the Intermediate Solicitor, Criminal Law Practice is to:
- Provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients and to assist them to resolve their legal problems
- Provide high quality appearances and act as advocate in: List work; Short matters; Defended Hearings; Committal Proceedings; District Court Appeals and Sentences; District Court Trials (instructing counsel and appearing as an advocate in consultation with supervisors) and Coronial Inquests
- Prepare and research representation of Aboriginal clients in criminal matters and prepare briefs for counsel and attend to instructing counsel as directed
About the ALS
Born out of a protest movement, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is the primary legal service for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT. Our vision is to achieve social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
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.
We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment. 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. Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.
About the role
- Provide high quality legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients and assist them in resolving their legal problems and undertake Court responsibilities covering: Local Court; Circuit travel; Children’s Court; Coroner's Court; District Court and Crime Commission (if required)
- Provide high quality appearances including: List work; Short matters; Defended Hearings; Committal Proceedings; District Court Appeals and Sentences; District Court Trials (instructing counsel and appearing as an advocate in consultation with supervisors) and Coronial Inquests
- Prepare and research representation of Aboriginal clients in criminal matters and prepare briefs for counsel and attend to instructing counsel as directed
- Assist with the development of submissions on law reform and represent the ALS at meetings, conference and seminars as requested
- Provide and record referrals for clients to assist them in resolving their legal matters
- Liaise with external stakeholders and develop and maintain inter-agency relationships covering legal and law enforcement related jurisdictions
- Provide considered, independent, balanced and professional criminal law advice
Further details can be found in the position description attached.
Your skills and experience
- Knowledge and appreciation 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 staff
- Legal qualifications and a NSW Practicing Certificate with a minimum of 5 years’ experience (Senior Solicitor) or minimum 3 years (Intermediate) in Criminal Law
- In-depth knowledge, understanding and of the Criminal Law, including practice and procedure
- Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, interpersonal, legal research and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work autonomously within a criminal law environment, meet conflicting deadlines and manage a demanding workload
- Ability to display sound judgment and proven capacity to provide high quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal clients
- Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload, together with high level conceptual, analytical and research skills
- Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace
How to apply
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Download the position description here
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Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Applications for this position close on 24 November 2023.
Candidates are encouraged to apply early as they may be contacted prior to the closing date to fill vacancies as they arise.
