Dubbo  |  Full-time  |  Permanent

The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to support Aboriginal clients across the Western NSW region (including Dubbo, Bathurst and Broken Hill).  Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.

This role would suit an experienced Criminal Law Solicitor seeking to build and demonstrate their representation and management skills.

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 objective of the Managing Solicitor position is to deliver of culturally appropriate legal advice, and representation to clients in accordance with the ALS policies, procedures and guidelines in Criminal Law Practice including early intervention and outreach services, community legal education and referrals.

The position holder will work autonomously, seeking the advice and support of the supervising Deputy Principal Legal Officer, or their delegate as required and consulting with senior colleagues before determining applications for merit in complex matters.

The positions directly reporting to it can include the various staff made up of Solicitors, Trial Advocates, Field Officers, Administration Officers, Paralegals and Volunteers.

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
• Possession of a current Practising Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW with up to 6 years of demonstrated experience in the application of criminal and representation law combined with accreditation as a Specialist in Criminal Law, or a willingness to attain such accreditation
• Proven ability to manage the day-to-day activities of legal service offices within various locations including the supervision of staff, the allocation of work, and management of workloads and regular reviews of performance
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in legal representation for Aboriginal clients in criminal matters and capacity to brief and instruct Counsel
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant criminal law legislation, case law and court proceedings to effectively represent and advocate for Aboriginal clients
• Demonstrated excellence in consultation, interpersonal, influencing, motivational, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, combined with strong people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload

How to apply

• Download the application package for this position 

• Please submit the completed application package to Curtis Penning, Acting Deputy Principal Solicitor at [email protected]  

• If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Ann Pitkeathly, Recruitment Manager at [email protected]  

Applications for this position close on Friday 14 October 2022.