The Role
The Paralegal role will be part of the Civil Law Practice. The Civil Law Practice is an emerging practice within the ALS. Its services will address employment law (with a focus on sexual harassment and discrimination); civil law issues that intersect with care, family and criminal matters, fines; and tenancy matters.
Primary Objective
The purpose of these roles is to assist in the delivery of high-quality legal and non-legal support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of the ALS Civil Practice. These positions play a central role in the day-to-day service delivery of the ALS Fines Clinic, a specialist service supporting clients to manage fines and fine-related debt, and the employment law team, which assists clients with employment law problems across NSW. The positions may also provide varied paralegal and project support across other services and practice
areas as required. The ALS also provides legal advice and advocacy to clients with tenancy issues and referrals for civil law assistance in a range of areas.
Reporting Relationships
Duties are performed under the ultimate guidance and direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role reports directly to the Principal Solicitor (Civil Law Practice) or their delegate.
Organisational Environment The ALS is an Aboriginal owned and an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation (ACCO) which is incorporated, limited by guarantee and a registered charity. The ALS provides culturally appropriate information and referral, legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including children in NSW and the ACT. It is committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. The ALS does this by ensuring it remains committed to being community focused, being fearless in its advocacy, accountable, and ethical and aiming to make a difference to create better futures, while also acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal values and cultural practices.
Key Communications
These positions require the ability to work collaboratively with ALS team members and demonstrate effective written and verbal communications skills.
Internal: The position holders will liaise closely with team members servicing the ALS Fines Clinic, the Employment law team, team members working across the Civil Law Practice, solicitors and other staff in other practice areas (including the Criminal Law Practice, and the Justice Projects, Policy & Practice team) and the ALS data team.
External: The position holders will have contact with clients, solicitors, staff of various government agencies, staff of non-government legal and non-legal services, community organisations and other stakeholders.
Key Areas Of Responsibility
• Monitor referral inboxes, perform client intake, and assist with client interviews
• Liaise with a variety of stakeholders to obtain documentation and information for clients
• Create and maintain electronic and hard copy client files
• Maintain accurate records of correspondence with clients and other stakeholders
• Provide and coordinate high quality paralegal support to solicitors working in the ALS Civil Law
Practice, including drafting documents and correspondence, conducting legal research, and drafting
and submitting applications to Revenue NSW and other agencies as directed
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data entry on client management systems and other databases
• Assist with developing and improving processes and procedures
• Liaise with solicitors and other staff members to assist in the allocation of work
• Provide high level administrative and secretarial support services to solicitors as required
• Ensure all duties and activities are carried out in an ethical manner, complying with ALS policies,
procedures and any other applicable guidelines or legislation
• Demonstrate a commitment to and behaviours that align with ALS Values and ALS Code of Conduct
• Adhere to ALS’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies,
work practices and rules
• Perform other reasonable duties as directed
Key Competencies and Requirements
Essential
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people
• Understanding of the legal and non-legal issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people in contact with the legal system
• Strong computer skills, including using Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook
• Excellent phone manner and professional written communication skills, including an ability to liaise in
an effective and appropriate manner with a range of external stakeholders
• Demonstrated organisational, time management and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a high volume and challenging workload
• Ability to adapt to and learn new systems and technology
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and
work independently with limited supervision
• Ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment
Desirable
• Identify and be recognised in the community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• Formal paralegal qualifications, or currently completing a law degree
• Previous experience working in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community-based organisation
• Previous experience working in a legal practice
• Knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
involved in the criminal justice system
• Current NSW driver’s licence with the ability to travel as required
How to Apply:
- Download the Position Description here
- Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Applications close 11:59pm Wednesday 29 November 2023
