Job: 988191 | Full-Time | Fixed-Term (12 Months) | State-Wide 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?
We are looking for a Senior Solicitor to join our Criminal Law Practice, providing expert legal advice and representation, particularly for Aboriginal clients.

• Provide criminal law relief assistance to ALS offices across NSW and ACT as required.
• Provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients and to assist them to resolve their legal problems
• Provide high quality appearances and act as advocate in: List work; Short matters; Defended Hearings; Committal Proceedings; District Court Appeals and Sentences; District Court Trials (instructing counsel and appearing as an advocate as directed)
• Prepare and research representation of Aboriginal clients in criminal matters and prepare briefs for counsel and attend to instructing counsel as directed.

Who Are We Looking For?
You are 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:

• Legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately).
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in Criminal Law.
• In-depth knowledge, understanding and of the Criminal Law, including practice and procedure
• Willingness and ability to travel to remote and regional ALS offices to provide criminal law relief services when required, including the ability to be based out of these locations for a number of weeks
• Current unrestricted NSW Drivers Licence and a willingness to drive in metropolitan and country locations, travel interstate, and stay overnight or longer
• Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills

Why Join Us?
At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer our staff a range of generous benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.
• Career and professional development opportunities

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.

We are focused 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 Talent Team at [email protected]