Join the ALS to make an impactful changeMeaningful work supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in western NSWDevelop a diverse criminal law courtroom practice with a specialist focus on representing childrenOpportunity to have impact outside the courtroom through regular, in person client support at a youth detention centrePrimary Purpose of the role The purpose of this role is to support the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) Visiting Legal Service (VLS) in Youth Justice Detention Centres (Detention Centres) as a solicitor. This role involves performing regular visits to Youth Justice Centres, as well maintaining a diverse criminal law practice with a focus on representing children.
Why join the ALS team?
At the ALS, you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture.
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It's an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities.
As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:
Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home payAnnual leave loading of 17.5%Career and professional development opportunitiesAccess to personal counselling for you and your familyAdditional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leaveFlexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for youAbout the role The Junior Solicitor is part of the Criminal Law Practice.
The Junior Solicitor will be responsible for:
Provide criminal law and some civil law services as a solicitor in the VLS in Youth Detention Centres. This includes liaising with stakeholders, clients and their families, and monitoring and reporting on service deliveryAppear in the Children's, Youth Koori Court, Local, District and Supreme Courts as directed by the Dubbo Managing SolicitorEnsure high quality 'culturally appropriate' representation to ALS clients in all matters, and at first instance, promptly deal with any complaints by clients and/or family membersFoster collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, including Youth Justice NSW, local Aboriginal organisations, service providers and communitiesAbout you We're looking for someone who brings:
Legal qualifications and a current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of NSWIn-depth knowledge of the criminal law, including practice and procedureCapacity to provide high quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and deal with any complaints by clients and/or family membersExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workloadKnowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices when considering service delivery and other support for clients, their families, communities and employeesExperience in criminal lawCurrent valid unrestricted NSW Driver's licence and a willingness to drive in metropolitan and country locations, travel intrastate and stay overnight or longer.Pre-employment requirements:
ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and National Police History check.
How to apply: Please click apply now. Before you begin, make sure you have an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Please apply promptly, as we may shortlist and commence interviews during the advertising period I identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
I consent to receiving occasional updates from the ALS
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
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