AddressFull-Time | Permanent | Canberra
- Lead culturally appropriate legal representation for Aboriginal clients, upholding ALS policies and respecting cultural values.
- Guide junior solicitors and maintain effective internal communication within the ALS legal team.
- Liaise with external stakeholders, ensuring professionalism in criminal matters and fostering inter-agency relationships for community justice.
Primary Purpose of the role
The primary objective of the position is to deliver culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to clients in accordance with the ALS policies, procedures and guidelines in criminal matters, including early intervention and outreach services, community legal education and referrals.
Why join the ALS team?
At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages and culture.
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities.
As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:
- Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay
- Annual leave loading of 17.5%
- Career and professional development opportunities
- Access to personal counselling for you and your family
- Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave
- Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you
About the role
The Intermediate Solicitor role is part of the Criminal Law team and duties are performed under the ultimate guidance and direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The position reports directly to the ACT Managing Solicitor.
The Intermediate Solicitor will be responsible for the below key responsibilities:
- Office Management: Work closely with the Managing Solicitor to manage office operations, including staff supervision, diary management and allocation of Criminal Law matters.
- Supervision & Mentorship: Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, assisting in their advocacy skills and development and providing guidance on complex matters.
- Trial and hearing Preparation: Advise on matters listed for trial in the District Court, allocate briefs to counsel, and prepare and run hearings in various courts.
- Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with external stakeholders such as the Courts, DPP and Legal Aid to ensure efficient and professional conduct of the practice.
- Inter-agency Relationships: Develop and maintain relationships across the justice system to support effective collaboration.
- Training & Development: Assist in planning training for junior solicitors and support their professional development.
- Quality Representation: Ensure culturally appropriate representation for ALS clients in Criminal Law matters, promptly addressing any complaints.
- Compliance & Professionalism: Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, adhere to ethical requirements and promote workplace safety and equal employment practices.
About you
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Deep knowledge of Criminal Law Practices and procedures.
- Proven ability to advocate for Aboriginal individuals in various court matters.
- Capacity to supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team effectively.
- Providing high-quality legal advice and representation.
- Strong written and verbal communication and effective time management.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and manage diverse tasks.
- Willingness to travel, including overnight stays, for court work or training.
- Dedication to implementing Workplace Health and Safety and ethical practices.
Pre-employment requirements:
ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and the National Police History check.
How to apply:
Please click apply now. Before you begin, make sure you have an up-to-date CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria and outlining your suitability for the role.
If you have questions about this role, please email *******@alsnswact.org.au
Application Closing Date: 11:59 PMon 10 May 2024
