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?
In this role, you will be an integral and valued member of a highly skilled and high-performing Relief Unit, a program within the Criminal Law Practice. This role provides high-quality legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients in criminal matters, including court advocacy across various court levels. This role involves working independently on complex cases, engaging with a broad range of justice stakeholders, and consulting with senior legal leaders to ensure the highest standards of practice and client care.

• Provide high-quality legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal clients across various jurisdictions, including Local, District, Children’s, and Coroner’s Courts.
• Travel across NSW and the ACT to deliver targeted criminal law relief support, and ensure consistent, high-standard legal practices in regional offices.
• Mentor junior solicitors, contribute to continuing legal education (CPD), and oversee practice management compliance, including file and diary management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, communities, and stakeholders while demonstrating ongoing respect for Aboriginal cultural practices.
• Stay up to date with relevant legislation, case law, and court procedures, and contribute to law reform initiatives and legal policy development.
• Promote ethical, efficient legal practice aligned with ALS polices and values, ensuring the delivery of client-focused and culturally safe services.

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:

• Minimum 3 year’s experience in criminal law with a current NSW Practising Certificate and strong understanding of relevant legislation, practice, and procedure.
• Deep cultural awareness and respect for the needs of Aboriginal people, with a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients, families, and communities.
• Willing and able to travel to and work from regional and remote ALS offices for extended periods, holding a valid NSW driver's licence.
• Strong communication, legal research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a busy and complex caseload independently.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and deliver high-quality legal advice and representation in a fast-paced criminal law environment.
• Commitment to ethical practice, workplace health and safety, and diversity and inclusion standards in the workplace.

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]