Paralegal, Criminal Law Practice
Early Appropriate Guilty Plea Scheme (EAGP)
Full time Fixed Term – 12 months
Aboriginal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
ABOUT THE ALS
The ALS is a public company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
We aim to provide culturally appropriate information and referral, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children in NSW and ACT.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The primary responsibility of the Paralegal, Early Appropriate Guilty Plea (EAGP) scheme is to assist in the delivery of high-quality legal support services to Aboriginal clients.
In addition, you will perform responsibilities to a high standard within agreed timelines and in line with ALS vision, mission and values. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing and coordinating a high level of complex paralegal support for solicitors in Criminal Litigation
- Liaising with solicitors and staff within the Practice to assist in the allocation of work and management of individual caseloads
- Assist solicitors at Court in appropriate cases, including note taking.
- Obtain supporting documentation and draft documents required by solicitors for the preparation of hearings in accordance with minimum practice standards. Assist in gathering supporting documentation from and completing file reviews for non-litigation clients, as required;
- Assist in researching matters of law or undertaking case reviews for solicitors, as required.
- Assist in client interviews, and drafting of Affidavit and other court documents, as and where required.
- Liaise with Government and non-Government agencies, welfare agencies, Courts and other sections of the legal community in relation to clients of the Service.
- Prepare statistical reports relating to solicitor’s work and maintain records.
- Contributing to the development and review of law reform initiatives.
- Providing secretarial support services to Solicitors
- Providing word processing support for correspondence, preparation of briefs of evidence, subpoenas, affidavits, court reports and other documents (using Microsoft Office Suite)
- Working collaboratively as a team member with other employees, volunteers and others to effectively coordinate office and team support services
- Ensuring the lawful achievement of ALS core business objectives to the highest standards of probity and efficiency, and with due reference to the interests of all stakeholders
- Demonstrating continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in servicing clients, their families, communities, directors and staff. Continuing to learn about the customs and history of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate:
- Formal paralegal qualifications, or currently undertaking a Law Degree.
- Knowledge and understanding of issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in the care and protection system.
- In depth knowledge of support and referral services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients involved in the Care and Protection system.
- Ability to prepare and deliver Community Legal Education.
- Ability to liaise effectively with government and non-government organisations.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated with ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Microsoft Suite computer skills.
- Current NSW/ACT driver’s license.
Desirable
- You identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or is accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which he or she lives are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Previous experience working in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community based organisation and/or legal organisation
HOW TO APPLY
Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the ALS Application package for this role. Submit your application to Curtis Penning (Acting Deputy Principal Solicitor Regional) at [email protected]. Applications for this position close midnight, Friday, 22 July 2022.
