Dubbo | Full-time | Fixed-term (12 months)
The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ALS's expanding Visiting Legal Services as a Children’s Court solicitor in Dubbo. Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.
This role would suit a junior solicitor with in-depth knowledge of criminal law and the ability to provide high quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and their families.
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 (Visiting Legal Service) will be responsible for:
- Appearing in the Children’s, Youth Koori, Local, District and Supreme Courts as directed
- Providing civil and criminal law services as a solicitor in Youth Justice Centres and to young people with Children’s Court matters
- Performing regular visits to Orana Youth Justice Centre in Dubbo, NSW
- Providing considered, independent, balanced and professional criminal law advice
- Providing high quality culturally appropriate representation to ALS clients in all matters
- Contributing to collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, including Youth Justice NSW, local Aboriginal organisations, service providers and communities
- Keeping up to date on relevant legal developments, criminal law legislation, case law, court procedures, and training to maintain professional standards and retain a Practicing Certificate
Your skills and experience
- Legal qualifications and a current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW
- In-depth knowledge of the criminal law (including practice and procedure) and ideally some experience
- Capacity to provide high quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and deal with any complaints by clients and/or family members
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload
- 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 employees
Current valid unrestricted NSW Driver’s licence and a willingness to drive. The ALS will consider reasonable adjustments where an employee cannot meet this requirement due to individual circumstances.
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 Rebekah Woodward, Recruitment Manager (New Programs) at [email protected] or 02 6120 8815
Applications for this position close at EOD Monday 9 January 2023.
