Fixed Term contract (parental leave cover up to 12 months)

Salary commensurate with experience $82,858 to $140,927 per annum, plus superannuation

Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging

Generous leave provisions of 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading

2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure

Access to additional paid leave for health and well-being

About the role

Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Limited (ALSWA) is funded by the Department of Justice to provide Prison In-reach Legal Services (PIR) for adult accused persons appearing in the Central Law Courts and remanded to metropolitan prisons. This program is closely linked to the Bail Support Service Metropolitan (BSS), which provides six bail support workers to work with accused persons appearing in the Central Law Courts and one post-sentence supervision worker for past bail support clients who are sentenced to community supervision orders. The BSS also operates in Broome, which provides three bail support workers to work with accused persons appearing in the Broome or Derby Courts. The objective of the programs is to reduce avoidable remand by providing earlier access to bail for suitable applicants through the provision of bail support and prison in-reach legal services and by supporting accused to comply with bail conditions and undertakings.

The main role of the Prison In-Reach lawyer will be to visit metropolitan prisons and appear in the Central law Courts to represent accused persons for bail applications and / or bail variation applications. The Prison In-Reach lawyer will also provide legal assistance for some accused who are unable to be released on bail to ensure the earliest possible resolution of their matters. The lawyer assists in the preparation of BSS Court Reports as needed and is responsible for PIR-related data on an ongoing basis.

In addition, as required, the lawyer may supervise PIR restricted practice lawyers as well as train new PIR lawyers upon commencement; assist with training new BSS workers; assist with data entry; and assist with oversight of client matters. This includes providing support to the Perth and Broome BSS teams.

About you

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Admitted, or be eligible for admission as a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of Western Australia without a condition they be subject to Supervision (unrestricted practitioner).

Well-developed organisational, data management and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, maintain confidentiality and confidently use workplace technology.

Ability to work and communicate effectively with Aboriginal clients and employees with an appropriate level of cultural understanding, empathy and sensitivity.

Demonstrated knowledge of substantive law, the rules of evidence and criminal practice and procedures.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team comprising legal and non-legal staff with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others.

Ability to supervise and mentor junior staff.

Highly developed communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) with experience in conflict resolution.

Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills.

It is a prerequisite of this position to meet the following criteria:

Ability to obtain a satisfactory National Police Certificate and hold a Working with Children Check card.

Willingness to apply for and obtain the applicable Department of Justice clearance.

Possession of a current motor vehicle driver’s licence

Must not be the subject of any unresolved complaint or related proceeding before the Legal Profession Complaints Committee of WA or any other professional disciplinary authority.

Applicants for this position are required to disclose any criminal history, excluding spent convictions, at the time of interview.

Committed to the principles of social justice.

An ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It is also desirable if you have:

A sound knowledge of issues relating to Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.

Experience representing clients in the Magistrates Court.

Previous experience in supervising restricted practice or junior lawyers.

Knowledge of and commitment to Occupational Safety and Health; Equal Opportunity; and Disability legislation and how these impact on employment, people management and service delivery

About our benefits

We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.

We also provide 5 weeks annual leave per year plus leave loading, 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure, and access to additional paid leave for health and well-being.

About us

ALSWA is a not-for-profit independent government funded organisation working to provide high quality representation and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA.

Our aim is to deliver a quality legal service and education which contributes to participation, empowerment and recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout WA.

ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and provides legal assistance in criminal, civil, human rights and family law, engages in law and policy reform and community legal education activities and provides services which support clients in the areas of youth diversion, bail support, unpaid fines and the Custody Notification Service.

We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.

How to apply

To submit your application, please click the 'Apply' button or send your application to [email protected]. Your application must include a cover letter outlining what strengths you could bring to the role and your resume. Selection criteria is not required.

To discuss this opportunity please contact Erin Clarkson, BSS/PIR Supervising Lawyer on (08) 9265 6666 or [email protected]. We treat all applications in confidence.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Sunday 17 August 2025

We reserve the right to close applications early if suitable candidates are identified

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We also encourage applications from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability. We provide an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.