Criminal Lawyer - Geraldton

• Fixed term contract (to 30 June 2025)
• Salary commensurate with experience $72,521 to $135,507 pa (restricted practice lawyer range is $63,962 to $69,224) plus superannuation
• Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging
• Generous leave provisions of 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading, 
• 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure
• Access to additional paid leave for health and well-being

We have an excellent opportunity for a Criminal Lawyer to join the Geraldton office of the Aboriginal Legal Service of the Western Australia Limited (ALSWA).  

This position requires a person with a demonstrated ability to appear as an advocate in criminal courts who is passionate about providing high quality legal assistance to Aboriginal people.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people is required.

Your responsibilities will include appearing as counsel on almost a daily basis in the Magistrates and Children’s Courts. There will also be scope to appear as counsel in the District and Supreme Courts. 

Although based in ALSWA’s Geraldton office regular travel to circuit courts is required.  You will also be required to undertake weekend court appearances (on a rostered basis).

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Ability to appear as counsel in criminal proceedings 
• Understanding of criminal law, rules of evidence and criminal practice and procedure
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people 
• Demonstrated high level organizational, communication and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team along with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others
• Ability to work in a sensitive manner with clients
• Ability to travel when required
• Ability to work on weekends and public holidays when required
• You must be able to hold a current WA Practicing Certificate

Relocation assistance is available. This position also attracts District Allowance, Rent Allowance (if eligible) and Air Conditioning Allowance (if eligible).

We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. 

We also provide 5 weeks annual leave per year plus leave loading, 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure, and access to additional paid leave for health and well-being.

ALSWA is a not-for-profit independent government funded organisation working to provide high quality legal representation, supports and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA. 

ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and provides legal assistance in criminal, civil, human rights and family law, engages in law and policy reform and community legal education activities and provides services which support clients in the areas of youth diversion, bail support, unpaid fines and the Custody Notification Service.

We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.

To submit your application, please click the 'Apply' button or send your application to ***********@als.org.au. Your application must include a cover letter outlining what strengths you could bring to the role and your resume. Selection criteria is not required. 

To discuss this opportunity please contact Human Resources on (08) 9265 66***or ***********@als.org.au. We treat all applications in confidence.

 For full position details, roles and responsibilities please visit the employment section of www.als.org.au/employment.

                        APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4 March 2024

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We also encourage applications from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability and provides an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.