Newcastle | Full-time | Fixed-term (to June 2025)
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to help establish and oversee a legal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing or a risk of family and domestic violence. Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.
The role would suit a solicitor with knowledge and experience in domestic violence, care and protection and/or family law, and how to use this to creatively achieve positive outcomes for the safety and empowerment of clients.
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 Senior Solicitor is part of an important new program, which advocates for and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are experiencing or are at risk of domestic and family violence.
The role will have the opportunity to deliver legal advice and representation to our clients and make a real difference to their lives. They will also manage the caseloads of the small legal service within the program and liaise with the legal team.
See Position Description in the Application Package attached to this advertisement for more details.
Your skills and experience
- Legal qualifications and a current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employees
- Knowledge, experience and understanding of domestic violence, care & protection/family, case law and court proceedings, and where the different practices intersect
- Proven ability to use this knowledge and experience to creatively achieve positive outcomes for the safety and empowerment of clients
- Proven ability to manage the caseloads and workloads of a small law practice and supervise staff
- Understanding of the dynamics of family and domestic violence and its effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families
- Capacity to represent clients and undertake an advocacy role before courts or tribunals
- Highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to adapt to change and work in a start-up environment
- Current NSW driver’s licence with the ability to travel intrastate (desirable)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
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Please submit the completed application package to Rebekah Woodward, Recruitment Manager (New Programs) at [email protected]
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Hope Cockatoo-Collins, Program Manager (Family Violence & Safety) at [email protected]
Apply promptly, as we will be shortlisting for the position as applications come through
