Newcastle | Full-time | Fixed-term contract (to 31 Dec 2023), with possible extension
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to appear as an advocate in court for Aboriginal people in all jurisdictions, with a focus on more complex advocacy, including District Court sentence matters and appeals, EAGP matters and serious summary hearings.
Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.
This role would suit an experienced Criminal Lawyer with ability to provide leadership to the team, assist in the preparation of submissions on law reform and mentoring of junior solicitors regarding law, procedure and the operations of the ALS.
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 position is to deliver of culturally appropriate legal advice, and representation to clients in accordance with the ALS policies, procedures and guidelines in Early Appropriate Guilty Plea (EAGP) matters, including early intervention and outreach services, community legal education and referrals.
The position requires a great deal of dedication; a very high level of professionalism and legal acumen; a prodigious aptitude for attention to detail; and a capacity and willingness to function as both a supervisor/mentor and advocate simultaneously, whilst serving Aboriginal clients.
Your skills and experience
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal communities combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and staff
- Appropriate legal qualifications and a current Practising Certificate
- A minimum of 4 years’ experience representing clients in the relevant area of law
- Commitment to the principles of social justice
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of criminal law, including practice and procedure
- Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research and problem-solving skills
- Ability to mentor and supervise solicitors
- Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment, applying sound judgement, meeting conflicting deadlines and managing a high-volume workload
- Ability to display sound judgment and proven capacity to provide high quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal clients
- Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload, together with high level conceptual, analytical and research skills
- Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to advocate and persuade on behalf of clients and the ALS
How to apply
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Please submit the completed application package to Emma Parker, Managing Solicitor (Newcastle) at E: [email protected]
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Emma Parker, Managing Solicitor (Newcastle) at E: [email protected]
Applications for this position close at extended to COB Friday 9 June 2023.
