Redfern  |  Full-time  |   Fixed-term contract (24 months)

The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to represent and advise families through the coronial inquest process.

Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.  

This role would suit an experienced and resilient Criminal or Civil lawyer with demonstrated experience appearing in the Coroner's Court, advocacy experience on behalf of Aboriginal clients/ families and a willingness to guide less experienced coronial inquest unit members.

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

The primary responsibilities of the Managing Coronial Advocate are to:

• Manage, coordinate and provide general oversight of the ALS’ state-wide coronial inquest practice (including the management of coronial inquest unit staff)
• Act on behalf of next of kin and families in the more complex and difficult coronial inquests
• Contribute to coronial inquest policy and research projects on behalf of the ALS

Your skills and experience

• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees
• Legal qualifications and a NSW Practicing Certificate with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a criminal or civil Law practice or coronial inquest and public law work
• Demonstrated knowledge or and experience appearing in the Coroner’s Court 
• Sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in conducting high quality carriage of a committals practice combined with serious criminal hearing work

• Commitment to the principles of social justice and demonstrated ability to represent Aboriginal clients and undertake an advocacy role before Courts or Tribunals
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to provide quality representation in a high-volume work environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct community legal education and to prepare court documents, correspondence, submissions and other written materials
• Well-developed legal research/analytical and statutory interpretation skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without close supervision and to manage a diverse workload

• Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace

How to apply

• Download the application package for this position 

• Please submit the completed application package to Ann Pitkeathly, Recruitment Manager at E: [email protected] 

• If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Shaun Mortimer, A/ Principal Solicitor (Criminal Law practice) at [email protected] 

Applications for this position close extended to COB Sunday 28 May 2023.