Job: 1036200 | Full-Time | Permanent | Wagga Wagga, NSW

Please note that due to the criticality of this role to our organisation, we will move at a 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 Criminal Law Practice. Provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients in a range of criminal matters, including court appearances and hearings. This role involves preparing cases, briefing counsel, and working closely with courts, legal professionals, and justice agencies.

• Deliver high-quality legal advice and court representation for Aboriginal clients across various courts, including District, Local, Children’s, and Coroner’s Courts.
• Appear in a range of criminal matters, including list work, defended hearings, committals, appeals, and trials, both as advocate and instructing counsel.
• Prepare briefs, conduct legal research, and liaise with external legal stakeholders, including counsel, court staff, police, and justice agencies.
• Support and mentor junior solicitors, assist with continuing legal education, and contribute to workload management and legal team coordination.
• Uphold cultural respect and community engagement, demonstrating ongoing commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and values.
• Maintain professional standards, including accurate file management, up-to-date legal knowledge, ethical practice, and effective time management.

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:

• Legal qualifications with a NSW Practising Certificate and 3-5+ years’ experience in criminal law.
• In-depth knowledge of criminal law, practice, and court procedures.
• Excellent communication, time management, interpersonal, legal research, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage conflicting deadlines, and handle a demanding and diverse workload.
• Sound judgment and proven ability to provide high-quality legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients.
• Commitment to workplace health & safety, ethical standards, and respect for Aboriginal cultural and social needs; willingness to travel with a valid NSW driver’s licence (desirable)

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]