Assistant Public Defender

Following internal promotion, we are now recruiting for Assistant Public Defenders in our Brisbane, Southport and Cairns offices.
About Legal Aid QueenslandLegal Aid Queensland's (LAQ) vision is to be a leader in a fair justice system where people are able to understand and protect their legal rights. Our purpose is to provide quality, cost effective legal services to financially disadvantaged people throughout Queensland.
About the teamLAQ's Public Defender Chambers provides efficient, effective and high-quality specialist advocacy services. The barristers appear on :
* criminal law trials and sentences in the Supreme and District courts, including in regional and remote circuit courts throughout Queensland;
* committal hearings in the Magistrates Court;
* appeals in the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia;
* hearings in the Mental Health Court;
* hearings in the Supreme Court's civil jurisdiction for respondents in applications brought under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003;
* inquests in the Coroners Court of Queensland.
Our barristers also provide advice and representation in approved family and civil law matters.
Our team models the values of respect, quality and accountability. We maintain a high standard of practice through good corporate governance and risk management.
What you will do
As an Assistant Public Defender working in either our Brisbane, Cairns or Southport offices, you will represent legally-aided clients before all superior and inferior courts, with a focus on superior court trials and sentences, appeals to the Court of Appeal, Mental Health Court hearings, and Dangerous Prisoner applications. You will be dealing with matters that are challenging, complex and sometimes high-profile.
What you will bring to the role
* Extensive experience in the conduct of criminal law matters and related areas of law, with particular expertise as an effective advocate in superior courts.
* A detailed knowledge of the practice and procedure of criminal law, evidence and ethics.
* A willingness to contribute to the professional development of others, including providing clear guidance, constructive feedback, and mentoring.
* The ability to contribute to improvements in operational procedures and identify solutions to problems.
* The ability to present written material in a clear, concise and persuasive manner.
* The ability to present oral submissions in a logical, articulate and persuasivemanner.
* A commitment to self-development.
Mandatory Requirements
* Admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a barrister in Queensland; and
* Eligible for a current practicing certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
To apply, please provide
* a cover letter (no more than one page); and
* your resume.
If this opportunity sounds right for you, see the full position description or reach out to Jakub Lodziak on 07 3917 0435 for a confidential discussion.