Full-Time | Permanent | Redfern, NSW
- Oversee the ALS Trial Practice
- Actively engage as a mentor to Trial Advocates and Solicitors
- Represent Aboriginal clients before the Criminal Justice System
Primary purpose of the Role
The primary responsibility of the Managing Advocate is to oversee the ALS Trial Practice by participating in the management of trial advocates, including their workload allocations, and to provide guidance and support to staff in the more complex and difficult criminal cases.
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 Managing Advocate is part of the Criminal Law Practice.
The Managing Advocate will be responsible for:
- Develop and provide training and mentoring for trial and other senior advocates state-wide.
- Support and oversee the management of a state-wide trial recording & reporting system.
- Support and manage the EAGP reporting obligations of the ALS and the associated budgetary and funding allocations.
- Actively engage as a mentor to trial advocates and other less experienced solicitors regarding law and procedure and assist them in the preparation of their matters.
- Appear in the more complex and difficult criminal cases across all jurisdictions.
- Prepare and deliver Continuing Professional Development presentations at in-house training conferences and travel to regional ALS offices to deliver CPD and provide advocacy training
About You
We're looking for someone who brings:
- Legal qualifications and a NSW Practising Certificate with a minimum of 7 years' experience in a criminal law practice.
- Demonstrated experience as a criminal law advocate, including experience in conducting jury trials, complex sentencing proceedings, and complex summary hearings.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the legal representation of Aboriginal clients in criminal matters and capacity to brief and instruct Counsel.
- Demonstrated management and supervision skills within a legal practice.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to provide quality representation in a high-volume work environment.
Desirable
- Current valid unrestricted NSW Driver’s licence and a willingness to drive in metropolitan and country locations, travel intrastate and stay overnight or longer
- Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
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]
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Shaun Mortimer, Principal Solicitor, Criminal Practice, at [email protected]
Applications for this position close at 11:59pm, 2nd April 2024.
Please apply promptly, as we may shortlist and commence interviews within the advertising period.