Kempsey | Full-time | Permanent
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to build and apply your skills in Criminal Law. Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.
This role would suit a recent Law graduate, or Solicitor in their early career stages.
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 Solicitor, Criminal Law will be responsible for:
- Providing high quality and culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients and assisting them in resolving their legal problems and undertaking Court responsibilities
- Providing considered, independent, balanced and professional Criminal Law advice
- Researching, preparing, and providing representation for Aboriginal clients in Criminal Law matters and prepare briefs for counsel and attend to instructing counsel
- Effectively balancing the requirements of managing a busy caseload
- Maintaining an up to date knowledge of a diverse range of emerging Criminal Law, case law and court procedures
- Maintaining and enhancing professional competence, keeping abreast of legal developments, changes in ALS policies, systems, guidelines, practices and community needs
- Communicating with, taking instructions from, and effectively representing Aboriginal clients who may present as distressed, have a physical or intellectual disability, or have problem behaviours such as drug or alcohol addictions, when the legal concepts involved are complex and difficult for the client to understand
- Performing Criminal Law appearance work as directed covering matters within Local Courts, Children’s Courts, District Court and/or Court Circuit (requiring travel)
Your skills and experience
- Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and staff
- Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples
- Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately) as well as demonstrated up-to-date knowledge of the Criminal Law, including practice and procedure
- Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, work autonomously and manage a diverse workload
How to apply
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Please submit the completed application package to Bianca Hawkins, Regional Administration Coordinator, Northern region, at [email protected]
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Ann Pitkeathly, Recruitment Manager at [email protected]
Applications for this position close on Wednesday 21 September 2022.
