Managing Solicitor (Cluster Manager)

Location:   Wagga Wagga

Fulltime Permanent

The ALS

The ALS is a public company limited by guarantee and registered charity.

It is primarily funded by the Australian Government Attorney-General's department and managed by an Aboriginal Board and governed by the ALS Company. The Company consists of thirty Aboriginal people from NSW and ACT and Company members are elected for three-year terms and represent their community.

The ALS is one of the largest Aboriginal legal practices delivering legal services to Aboriginal people in Australia. With over 200 staff, we provide information and referral, legal advice and court representation in criminal law, family law and care and protection law to Aboriginal men, women, and children in 24 offices across urban, regional, and remote NSW and ACT

The Role

The primary responsibility of the Cluster Manager/Managing Solicitor is to support the Deputy Principal Solicitor; Criminal Law Practice with the delivery of legal services within one of the 10 ALS designated staffing cluster location groups.

The position holder is responsible for the management of staff and resources within their cluster group, the allocation of work and workloads including the briefing and assignment of work to external legal representatives and the implementation of relevant ALS policies and procedures for those services/functions.

The position holder also supports the Deputy Principal Solicitor in developing and implementing policies and strategies to improve the provision of legal services to ALS clients and monitoring and evaluating of emerging matters to determine their potential impact in the delivery of legal services by the organisation.

• Support the Deputy Principal Solicitor with the delivery of legal services within the relevant staffing cluster location group.
• Management and supervision of staff and resources within the cluster group.
• Allocation of work and management of workloads including the briefing and assignment of work to external legal representatives and the implementation of policies and procedures for those functions.
• Manage career development opportunities to improve staff retention and conduct regular staff performance evaluations.
• Conduct complicated legal matters, including committals, District and Supreme Court appearances in all nominated jurisdictions.
• Co-ordinate diary and court schedules to maintain an effective and efficient legal practice and provide legal representation services in Local Courts, District Courts and Children’s courts.

Your skills and experience

• 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.

Benefits of working at ALS.

The basics include, Tax-free salary packaging, 35 hour working week, study and special leave benefits, and career pathways to senior roles within the ALS.  But its more than the basics:

• ALS employs interesting people with a passion for justice...
• We can offer unique career growth opportunities…
• The opportunity to change the world for someone in need is around every corner...

How to Apply?

Please CLICK HERE to download a copy of the ALS application package for this role. Applications are to be sent to Curtis Penning (Acting Deputy Principal Solicitor) at E: [email protected]. Only candidates who forward with completed application packages to the hiring manager will be considered. 

Applications for this position Friday 24 June 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.