Nowra, NSW | Full-time | Permanent
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to a Junior Solicitor in the Criminal Law Practice. Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.
The primary responsibility of the Solicitor, Criminal Law Practice is to undertake Criminal Appearance work as directed, covering matters within Local Courts, Children’s Courts, District Court and/or Court Circuit (requiring travel).
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.
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
Perform responsibilities to a high standard within agreed timelines and in line with ALS vision, mission and values. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing high quality and culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients and assisting them in resolving their legal problems and undertaking Court responsibilities
- Providing considered, independent, balanced and professional Criminal Law advice
- Researching, preparing, and providing representation for Aboriginal clients in Criminal Law matters and prepare briefs for counsel and attend to instructing counsel
- Effectively balancing the requirements of managing a busy caseload
- Maintaining an up to date knowledge of a diverse range of emerging Criminal Law, case law and court procedures
- Communicating with, taking instructions from, and effectively representing Aboriginal clients 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
- Performing Criminal Law appearance work as directed covering matters within Local Courts, Children’s Courts, District Court and/or Court Circuit (requiring travel)
- 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
- Demonstrating continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities, directors and staff. Continuing to learn about the customs and history of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Maintaining all files in an orderly and professional manner, including the recording of all data for statistical purposes
- Managing systems and technology which have a significant impact on the legal practice, including adapting to and enhancing the use of these systems
- Assisting with the development of submissions on law reform and representing the ALS at meetings, conference and seminars as directed
- Travel to regional and locations for work purposes. An inherent requirement of the job is the ability to independently travel to regional locations by car for work purposes, therefore a current driver’s licence is required (the ALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider reasonable adjustments where an employee cannot meet this requirement)
Your skills and experience
- 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
- Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples
- Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately) as well as demonstrated up-to-date knowledge of the Criminal Law, including practice and procedure
- Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, work autonomously and manage a diverse workload
- A willingness and ability to travel to ALS’ various offices
How to apply
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Please submit the completed application package to [email protected]
- For enquiries, please contact the ALS HR team at [email protected]
Applications for this position close on Friday 25 August 2023.
