Managing Solicitor (Cluster), Criminal Law Practice

Full-Time | Permanent | Flexible Locations – Moree, Bourke, Walgett

Primary Purpose of the Role 

The primary objective of the position is to deliver of culturally appropriate legal advice, and representation to clients in accordance with the ALS policies, procedures and guidelines in Criminal Law Practice 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 Managing Solicitor is part of the Criminal Law Practice.

The Managing Solicitor will be responsible for:

• Support the Deputy Principal Solicitor with the delivery of legal services within the relevant staffing cluster location group.
• At the direction of the Deputy Principal Solicitor, assist with the management of professional and administrative staff.
• Management and supervision of staff and resources within the cluster group.
• Allocation of work and management of workloads including the briefing and assignment of work to external legal representatives and the implementation of policies and procedures for those functions.
• Support the Deputy Principal Solicitor in the implementation of policy and strategies to improve the provision of legal services to clients of the ALS.
• Under the direction of the Deputy Principal Solicitor conduct recruitment of staff and volunteers and manage their induction, training, supervision, and professional development.
• Manage career development opportunities to improve staff retention and conduct regular staff performance evaluations.
• Conduct complicated legal matters, including committals, District and Supreme Court appearances in all nominated jurisdictions.
• Co-ordinate diary and court schedules in order to maintain an effective and efficient legal practice and provide legal representation services in Local Courts, District Courts and Children’s courts.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Possession of a current Practising Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW with up to 4 years of demonstrated experience in the application of criminal and representation law;
• Proven ability to manage the day to day activities of legal service offices within various locations including the supervision of staff, the allocation of work, and management of workloads and regular reviews of performance.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in legal representation for Aboriginal clients in criminal matters and capacity to brief and instruct Counsel.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant Criminal Law legislation, case law and court proceedings to effectively represent and advocate for Aboriginal clients;
• Demonstrated excellence in consultation, interpersonal, influencing, motivational, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, combined with strong people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload.
• Demonstrated commitment to the effective implementation of Workplace Health & Safety and Ethical and Diversity practices in the workplace.
• Perform other duties as deemed appropriate and as delegated by the Deputy Principal Solicitor.

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 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 outlining your suitability for the role.

If you have questions about this role, please email **************@alsnswact.org.au

Closure Date: 11:59pm, 25th March 2024

Please apply promptly, as we may shortlist and commence interviews during the advertising period