Principal Legal Officer

ALRM Core Objectives

The central object of the Movement is to assist Aboriginal persons (especially those Aboriginal persons who are detained in custody or imprisoned) to relieve their poverty, the consequences of their dispossession and social misfortune and to assist further in removing destitution and helplessness amongst Aboriginal people through the use of the legal system of the State of South Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Leads and manages legal and other staff who provide or support the delivery of legal services, including staff working in regional offices.
• Ensures all service targets are met and services are delivered in accordance with ALRM’s obligations to its funders.
• Establish, implement, review and manage systems, ensuring ALRM upholds professional standards and work practices to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for the ALRM law practice and to ensure quality of service delivery to Aboriginal people of South Australia.
• Representing ALRM on matters concerning legal policy and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by ALRM. Representing ALRM on matters relevant to the conduct of the ALRM law practice and other matters relevant to ALRM business generally and/or as directed by the CEO.
• Provides advice to the CEO, Board and SMT of ALRM concerning strategies and priorities for the delivery of legal services.
• Provides executive support to the CEO in all areas of ALRM operations and acts as his or her Deputy as required. 
• Promotes a positive and professional image of ALRM to the wider community, and stakeholders including the judiciary, ministers of the government and their advisers, Aboriginal communities and community organisations, clients, legal regulatory bodies and other relevant parties.
• Provides guidance, mentoring and support to all ALRM lawyers as to their professional conduct within the ALRM law practice and in the conduct of difficult and complex cases.
• Personally, conducts high profile cases as appropriate, including Coroner’s Inquests.
• Maintains effective working relationships with stakeholders to improve the experience and outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the justice system.
• Participates, as part of the Senior Management Team, in the Management of ALRM and assists in all the establishment of strategic and service plans and in setting priorities for the allocation of resources for the effective operation of ALRM.
• Is responsible for an ALRM Trust Account in accordance with the Rules prescribed from time to time by the Legal Practitioners Act and Regulations. 
• Takes responsibility for the professional conduct of all legal staff including the review of staff performance with Practice Managers and reviewing the performance of Practice managers, and training and development requirements for all legal staff. 
• Is responsible for the conduct of an in-house continuing professional development program for lawyers.
• Is responsible for the ALRM briefing Committee and to ensure brief outs are managed appropriately and funds expended within advised budgets. 
• Is responsible for Media Statements on behalf of the CEO and Board of ALRM upon request.
• Is responsible for preparation of submissions on behalf of ALRM CEO and Board in respect of legislative and policy reforms at State and National levels.
• Is responsible for the ALRM Strategic Litigation Unit and reports to the CEO and board as to its operation.
• Attends NATSILS meetings as required. 
• Other duties as required and/or requested by the CEO or respective manager.
• Actively participate and contribute to responsible and safe work practices by ensuring all WHS legislation, policies and procedures are adhered to within the workplace this includes any directive given by the Human Services department in relations to any pandemics.
• Embracing diversity and cultural differences in the workplace by modelling respectful behaviour in the workplace.

Maintain Safe Work Environment

• To ensure all staff engage in safe work practices and follow all ALRM WHS Policies, Procedures and supporting documents.
• To cease work/activity immediately if the work is deemed/identified as unsafe or in breach of safety legislation.
• Take reasonable care to protect your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others who may be affected by your actions or omissions at work. 
• Effective and timely reporting and ensuring you are not affected by alcohol or other drugs which are likely to endanger yourself or others.

Essential Criteria

• Admission (or eligible for immediate admission) as a legal practitioner in South Australia and holder of (or eligible to hold) an unrestricted category A South Australian Practising Certificate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a legal practice in a cross-cultural environment, including the ability to motivate, advise, train and lead both lawyers and non-legal staff.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and manage systems to improve the quality of legal services and to comply with regulatory laws and funding agreements.
• Extensive experience in legal practice and strong familiarity with the law relating to legal practice including experience in criminal law and civil and family law.     
• Proven experience and representation skills in appearing as Counsel in Superior courts.
• Comprehensive understanding of the economic, social and cultural issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to the delivery of legal services and in the wider community.
• Capacity to work effectively in an Aboriginal organisation and to demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures.
• Commitment to delivering culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to negotiate and consult with a wide range of stakeholders including Government funders and other relevant parties.
• Demonstrated analytical, conceptual and writing skills of a high order.
• Possess current South Australian driver’s license is an essential requirement.
• Experience in managing a litigation practice.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of Equal Opportunity, Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare standards.
• An understanding of the objectives of Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, its services and clients.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Organisations Core Values (Code of Ethics) and the Employee Conduct Policy.

Please direct applications of a covering letter and with a Curriculum Vitae by the close of business Wednesday 12th June 2024 to: 

 Julie Batt

                HR ADVISER

                Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement

                321-325 King William St

                Adelaide SA 5000

                Email: ******@alrm.org.au