Solicitor – Canberra ACT                                     

Who is ALS?

We are a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation. We have over 200 staff across 24 offices in NSW and the ACT. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make up more than 50 per cent of our workforce.

We provide culturally safe legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children across NSW and ACT. Our law and policy reform work are also a major focus.  We fight for justice for our mob.

The organisational environment?           

The ALS remains committed to being community focussed; being fearless in our advocacy; accountable and ethical and aiming to make a difference to create better futures, while also acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal traditional values and cultural practices.

The role?

The primary responsibility of the Duty Solicitor is to undertake criminal appearance work as directed, covering matters within the ACT Magistrates Court and Children’s Court. Specifically listing sentence matters and defending hearings.  Key responsibilities and accountabilities include.

• Undertake daily duty bail and list work
• Provide high quality and culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients
• Provide considered, independent, balanced, and professional criminal law advice
• Balance the requirements of managing a busy caseload
• Communicate with, take instructions from, and effectively represent 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
• Maintain and enhance professional competence, keeping abreast of legal developments, changes in ALS policies, systems, guidelines, practices, and community needs
• Maintain all files in an orderly and professional manner, including the recording of all data for statistical purposes
• Update diaries as required in the relevant office, coordinating diary and court schedules
• Work collaboratively as a team member

 Essential Criteria - To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate:

• Legal qualifications and a current ACT Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately)
• 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
• Up-to-date knowledge of the criminal law, including practice and procedure
• Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples
• Capacity and motivation to provide quality legal representation to Aboriginal people in rural and remote communities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong, legal research and problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, work autonomously and manage a diverse workload
• Excellent analytical and research skills
• Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Office Suite
• A willingness and ability to travel to ALS’ various offices (regional and metropolitan), conferences (local and interstate) and events.

Desirable Criteria

• Identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

• A minimum of 6 months experience working in Criminal Law
• Experience in running lists, bail applications and sentence hearings

Benefits of working at ALS.

The basics include, Tax-free salary packaging, opportunities to work from home, and flexible hours. But its more than the basics:

• ALS employs interesting people with a passion for justice...
• We can offer unparalleled growth opportunities…
• The opportunity to change the world for someone in need is around every corner...

How to Apply?

Please click ALS_Application_package___Solicitor_Canberra_-_Feb_2022_Final.docx to download the application package (which includes a Position Description) for this job. 

Applications should be sent to Dean Rutherford (Managing Solicitor ACT) at [email protected]. Only candidates who forward a completed application packages to the hiring manager will be considered.  Applications for this position close Wednesday 2^nd March 2022.