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SalaryThis is an outstanding opportunity for a legal professional to take on a position delivering high-quality criminal law services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Legal Aid Queensland is the state’s largest criminal law defence practice, employing some of Queensland’s leading criminal defence lawyers.
Legal Aid Queensland represents children and adults charged with criminal offences before all courts in Queensland. From Magistrates court duty lawyer services to complex trials and appeal cases in the higher courts, we protect people's rights and play an integral role in the state's criminal justice system.
As a lawyer, you will prepare cases and advocate on behalf of clients, and provide advice about criminal law matters. This role offers the chance for you to expand on your experience by undertaking interesting and varied casework in a wide range of criminal law and related matters. The role also gives you the opportunity to contribute to improvements to the legal aid and criminal justice systems. We support our staff through on-going professional development opportunities and mentoring, and a balanced approach to work.
In this role you will:
- Undertake criminal law casework including preparing matters and instructing counsel in all jurisdictions, and personally appearing for legally aided clients at bail applications, pleas, summary trials and committal hearings in the Magistrates and Children's Courts.
- Provide legal information and advice to clients and members of the public in relation to various areas of law.
- Provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's courts, including for clients in custody, and appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
- Liaise with criminal justice system stakeholders, other government agencies and community organisations in relation to cases and service delivery issues.
- Ensure all work complies with quality and case management standards and meet all other professional and corporate responsibilities.
- Build and sustain positive relationships with team members, contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices where possible.
- Support Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives as required, and participate in the development of team plans and work practices.
About you:
- You have previously demonstrated your ability to prepare and appear in all aspects of criminal law cases, in various jurisdictions, in the role of lawyer and lawyer advocate.
- You have a working knowledge of criminal law practice and procedure, legislation relating to the criminal justice system, the laws of evidence and ethical standards.
- You can demonstrate your ability to conduct quasi criminal law matters, such as inquests, inquiries, Bail applications, compulsory hearings, diversionary Courts, Dangerous Prisoners Sexual Offenders Act, or Mental Health Court referrals.
- You are responsive to guidance and performance feedback, committed to self-development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the criminal law and procedure.
- You communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner in both oral and written formats. You communicate effectively with both external stakeholders and clients with complex needs.
- You can build and sustain relationships with team members, contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.
About us
- 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
- 12.75% employer super contributions
- Flexible working hours
- Generous salary packaging available
- Study leave for approved work-related courses.
