Job: 951917 | Full-Time | Fixed Term (12 Months) | Newcastle, NSW

Please note that due to the criticality of this role to our organisation, we will move at pace through our recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP. The role will close when an offer is accepted by a suitable candidate

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established in a critical act of self-determination over 50 years ago as part of the Aboriginal rights protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT, and fight for social justice and equity for our communities.

What Will You Do?

In this role, you will be an integral and valued member of a highly skilled and high-performing Legal Assistance for Women team which is part of the Care & Protection/Family Law Practice. Hunter Legal Assistance for Women (Hunter LAW) is a multi-disciplinary team that provides legal support and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families. This role involves offering civil, family law representation, limited criminal representation assisting women defendants in ADVOS, early intervention advice, non-court legal assistance, and delivering Community Legal Education.

Each day, you can expect to:

• Deliver targeted culturally safe and effective generalist or family law legal services to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in accordance with ALS policy and procedures, including representation in litigation and dispute resolution, early intervention legal advice, non-court assistance, and duty lawyer services.
• Where directed, contribute to law reform and policy initiatives to improve access to justice and address systemic legal issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of legal developments and procedures including through the identification of training needs and attending appropriate training to maintain professional standards and retain a NSW practising certificate.
• Perform responsibilities to a high standard within agreed timelines and in line with ALS vision, mission and values.
• Ensure all duties and activities are carried out in an ethical manner, complying with ALS policies, procedures and any other applicable guidelines or legislation.

Who are we looking for?

A highly skilled and motivated individual with a thorough understanding of the cultural, social, and historical needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Have at least 12 months experience working as a Family Law Solicitor or as a Generalist Solicitor.
• Legal qualifications and a current Practising Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW.
• A current NSW driver’s license.
• Understanding of the dynamics of family and domestic violence and its effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
• Capacity to represent clients and undertake an advocacy role before Courts and Tribunals.
• Ability to meet deadlines, and work autonomously to manage a diverse and busy workload.

Join us and become part of an organisation that deeply values integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to social impact. This is your chance to grow, contribute, and create a lasting positive impact!

Why join us?

At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer a range of generous benefits designed to enhance your overall compensation. Our not-for-profit salary packaging program is specifically tailored to help reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Additionally, we provide a generous annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.

At ALS, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role.

If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected]

At ALS NSW/ACT, we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support with your application including throughout the recruitment process, please let us know by reaching out to our Recruitment Team at [email protected]