Lawyer - Civil Law & Human Rights

• Fixed Term contract (12-month contract)
• Salary commensurate with experience $72,521 to $103,533 per annum 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.
• 100m to train station and access to staff parking

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced lawyer (2 years PQE and above) to join the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) team in the Civil Law and Human Rights Unit based in Perth.

The Civil Law and Human Rights Unit focuses on Human Rights and state government accountability matters, including coronial inquests, civil litigation and complaints in relation to police, prisons and other government agencies, as well as racial discrimination complaints. Our core objectives are to empower the Aboriginal community by providing first class legal advice and representation and to work with our clients to achieve systemic law and policy reform.  

A core focus of this particular role will be in representing clients in matters before the Coroner’s Court of Western Australia. The Unit’s coronial practice involves assisting clients with inquests involving deaths in custody, deaths involving police involvement, and other unexplained deaths. 

Reporting to the Managing Lawyer of the Unit, the lawyer will:

• Act for clients at coronial inquests and in coronial investigations;
• Provide clients with legal advice on coronial matters;
• Act as a liaison for clients with the Coroner’s Court;
• Undertake research, policy and law reform work in relation to coronial practice and procedure;
• Provide legal advice and representation in relation to the other core practice areas for the unit, including tortious claims and administrative law proceedings against state government agencies; 
• Provide initial legal advice and referrals on a broad range of Civil Law matters through the Unit’s Duty Lawyer service;
• Undertake outreach work, including attending ALSWA’s other regional offices and courts as required; 
• Research and write policy submissions, letters, and briefing papers in relation to the work of the Unit.

This position requires a candidate who has is highly organised and self-motivated. Experience in civil litigation, coronial inquests and investigations and a demonstrated ability to appear as counsel in relevant courts and other tribunals is desirable.

A sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people is required.

If you are passionate about striving for justice for disadvantaged Aboriginal people and want to make a difference, ALSWA is the place for you.  The work is both challenging and rewarding. 

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

• Sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people;
• Demonstrated knowledge of substantive law (in particular torts law and administrative law) and the rules of evidence and civil practice and procedure;
• Knowledge of coronial practices and procedures is desirable; 
• Demonstrated capacity to appear as counsel in court proceedings is desirable;
• Demonstrated high level organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team comprising legal and non-legal staff with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others;
• Highly developed communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) with experience in conflict resolution;
• Committed to the principles of social justice;
• Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills;
• Ability to travel when required;
• You must be able to hold a current WA Practice Certificate

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 five weeks of annual leave per year with leave loading, 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 representation and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA.

Our aim is to deliver a quality legal service and education which contributes to participation, empowerment and recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout 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 alternatively 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. Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity in further detail please contact Human Resources on (08) 9265 6*** or email ***********@als.org.au. All applications will be treated in confidence.

                                 Applications Close: 31 March 2024

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

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. We provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.