Canberra  |  Full-time  |  Fixed-term contract (to 30 June 2025) 

The Aboriginal Legal Service is offering an exciting opportunity to act as the Trial Advocate in the more complex and difficult ACT criminal cases and demonstrate high quality preparation for and representation of Aboriginal clients.

Enjoy coming to work each day with a purpose-driven organisation that makes a real difference.

This role would suit an experienced Criminal Lawyer, ready to provide mentorship to colleagues regarding law, advocacy and procedure, and assist them in the preparation of their cases, whilst also actively practising for our clients.

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 primary responsibility of the ACT Trial Advocate, Criminal Law Practice, is to act on behalf of the ALS in the more complex and difficult criminal cases, and will involve:

• Research, preparation and representation of Aboriginal clients in criminal matters
• Appearing in court as advocate for Aboriginal clients in the ACT Magistrates Court, Children’s Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal
• In more complex matters in the ACT Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, preparing briefs for counsel and instructing counsel to appear

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 in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff
• Legal qualifications and an ACT Practicing Certificate with a minimum of 5 years’ experience as an advocate in a criminal law practice
• Sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in conducting high quality carriage of complex criminal defended hearing work
• Commitment to the principles of social justice and demonstrated ability to represent Aboriginal clients and undertake an advocacy role before courts or tribunals
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to provide quality representation in a high-volume work environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct community legal education and to prepare court documents, correspondence, submissions and other written materials
• Well-developed legal research/analytical and statutory interpretation skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without close supervision and to manage a diverse workload
• Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace

How to apply

• Download the application package for this position 

• Please submit the completed application package to Dean Rutherford, Managing Solicitor (Canberra) at E: [email protected] 

• If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact Dean Rutherford, Managing Solicitor (Canberra) at E: [email protected] 

Applications for this position close at COB Friday 28 April 2023.