Job: 1062240 | Full-Time | Permanent | Newcastle, 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 Care and Protection/Family Law Practice. This role delivers culturally appropriate legal advice in Care & Protection/Family Law, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and mentoring junior solicitors. It requires autonomy, professionalism, and strong stakeholder engagement both internally and externally. You will:

• Provide high-quality, culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in complex legal matters.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise team members, while managing a busy caseload.
• Prepare legal submissions, reports, and briefs; instruct counsel and appear in court.
• Stay updated on relevant legislation, legal developments, and ALS policies.
• Maintain professional, accurate file records and effectively use legal practice systems.
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships and travel as required, including to regional areas.

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:

• Hold appropriate legal qualifications, a current NSW Practising Certificate, and 4+ years experience in Care & Protection and/or Family Law.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and delivering culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Strong expertise in Care & Protection/Family Law, including current practices, procedures, and legal research.
• Proven ability to manage complex workloads independently, meet deadlines, and provide high-quality legal advice and representation.
• Skilled in mentoring and supervising solicitors, with excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Willing and able to travel for work, with deep cultural awareness and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and practices.

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]