Expressions of Interest – Graduate to Intermediate Solicitor Roles

Permanent and temporary roles

The ALS retains a list of suitable candidates to refer to when vacancies occur to assist with fast tracking the recruitment process and to identify top talent for future roles.

Expressions of interest are being sought from graduates through to more experienced Solicitors wishing to join our NSW or ACT team in the future. This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies at all ALS offices across NSW arising until the end of 2023.

The ALS has offices providing criminal law services at Redfern, Parramatta, Newcastle, Wollongong, Nowra, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tamworth, Moree, Lismore, Walgett, Moruya, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Griffith, Bourke, and Canberra.

About the ALS

The ALS provides culturally appropriate information and referral, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children in NSW and ACT. It is committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal people and the Aboriginal community.

The ALS is an Aboriginal owned and controlled community organisation (ACCO) which is incorporated, limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

About the Solicitor role

The primary responsibility of a Solicitor, Criminal Law Practice is to undertake criminal appearance work as directed, covering matters within the Local Court, Children’s Court, District  Court and/or Court Circuit (requiring travel).

The criminal appearance work will involve the position holder undertaking specific activities including:

• Appearance work, including list work, sentence matters, bail applications, mental health applications, defended hearings and District Court appeals.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant criminal law legislation, case law and court
• Research, prepare and provide representation for Aboriginal clients in criminal matters, preparing briefs for counsel and instruct counsel in indictable proceedings.
• Ensure the lawful achievement of ALS core business objectives to the highest standards.

Your skills and expertise

• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities, and staff.
• Legal qualifications and a NSW Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one immediately).
• Up-to-date knowledge of the criminal law, including practice, procedure, advocacy skills and the ability to undertake appearance work in court.
• Capacity and motivation to provide quality legal representation to Aboriginal people in rural and remote communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and time management skills.
• A Drivers Licence and willingness to travel to suburban and regional courts if required.  
• Computer literacy and capacity to generate legal correspondence.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload, together with high level conceptual, analytical and research skills.

​​​​​​​How to apply

Please submit your expression of interest in a Solicitor role with the ALS to the following email address: [email protected].

Expressions of interest should include the following:

• A 2-page cover letter, outlining your suitability for the role
• An up-to-date CV of no more than 5 pages
• A copy of your Drivers Licence (if applicable)
• A copy of your Practicing Certificate (if applicable)

Any queries should be directed to the above email address.

Applications for these positions close 19 September 2022.

Aboriginal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.