SOLICITOR - (Graduate - Grade 1) Crime Practice
Walgett
Full-time permanent role
About the ALS
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) is a proud Aboriginal community-controlled organisation. As Australia’s first community legal service provider, we’ve been fighting for justice and equity for over 50 years.
We provide free advice and representation in criminal law, children’s care and protection law, and family law for tens of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every year. We also run community programs to improve the lives of our people. We are well recognised for our work at the forefront of law reform and community advocacy.
The ALS has recently received funding in order to provide legal services in Canberra, ACT and on the South Coast of NSW (in Nowra) through the Family Violence Prevention Unit (FVPU). This is a holistic service providing legal representation, advice, casework assistance and referrals to Aboriginal families impacted or affected by family violence, and related issues such as homelessness or contact with child protection. The FVPLS also seeks to provide early support around intervention and community education around alternative pathways to ensure children are not removed from families and communities.
Benefits of working with us
We offer a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment, where you can develop and grow. 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 and additional leave entitlements.
Staff can choose to take advantage of benefits including salary packaging to maximise take-home pay.
About the role
The primary responsibility of the Solicitor, Criminal Law Practice is to undertake Criminal Appearance work as directed, covering matters within Local Courts, Children’s Courts, District Court and/or Court Circuit (requiring travel).
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- 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)
- Ensuring the lawful achievement of ALS core business objectives to the highest standards of probity and efficiency, and with due reference to the interests of all stakeholders
- Demonstrating continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities, directors and staff. Continuing to learn about the customs and history of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Managing systems and technology which have a significant impact on the legal practice, including adapting to and enhancing the use of these systems
- Working collaboratively as a team member
- Keeping up to date on legal developments and procedures. Identifying training needs and attending training to maintain professional standards and retain a practicing certificate
- Ensuring all duties and activities are carried out in an ethical manner, complying with ALS policies, procedures and any other applicable guidelines or legislation
- Travel to regional and interstate locations for work purposes. An inherent requirement of the job is the ability to independently travel to regional locations by car for work purposes, therefore a current driver’s licence is required (the ALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider reasonable adjustments where an employee cannot meet this requirement due to a disability or their age)
What you’ll bring to the role
To be successful in this position you will need to demonstrate:
- 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
- Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately)
- 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 time management, 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
- Covid-19 double vaccinated
How to apply
Download the application package for this position here
Please submit the completed application package to Curtis Penning, Acting Deputy Principal Legal Officer E: [email protected]
Applications for this position close at Wednesday 16 February 2022.
