Job: 2024-136 | Full-Time, Fixed Term (Contract till 5th May 2025) | Lismore

• Join our Care and Protection/Family Law litigation team are achieving transformative outcomes for Aboriginal kids and families.
• Get the satisfaction of achieving real change for Aboriginal families and communities, while working as part of a supportive and tight-knit team.
• Work in the Specialist Childrens Courts across NSW and the FCFCOA Specialist Indigenous List, where you’ll gain unparalleled experience in alternative court processes and see first-hand how the justice system can work differently to do better by families.

Primary Purpose of the role

To provide culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients in Care & Protection/Family Law, including early intervention, outreach services, community legal education, and referrals, in accordance with ALS policies and procedures.

Why join the ALS team?

At the Aboriginal Legal Service (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 pay
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Career and professional development opportunities
• Access to personal counselling for you and your family
• Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave
• Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you

About the role

The Intermediate Solicitor is part of the Care and Protection/Family Law Practice.

The Intermediate Solicitor will be responsible for the below but are not limited to:

• Provide high-quality legal advice and court representation for Aboriginal clients
• Manage and allocate a busy caseload efficiently
• Assisting in the preparation of complex matters allocated to junior solicitors
• Liaising with the Principal Solicitor, or their delegate, on any complex matters and seek approval to retain Counsel where appropriate
• Research, prepare briefs, and instruct counsel as needed
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal developments and ALS policies
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders and colleagues
• Mentor junior solicitors and assist with complex cases
• Travel to regional locations as required for work purposes

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Legal qualifications and a current Practising Certificate with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in court advocacy in the relevant area of practice
• Commitment to the principles of social justice
• In-depth knowledge of the relevant area of law, including practice and procedure
• Ability to provide high quality legal representation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills combined with strong time management, legal research and problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, and manage a diverse workload
• Excellent analytical and research skills
• Knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment, applying sound judgement
• A willingness and ability to travel to regional, metropolitan and interstate locations for work purposes
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor others

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.

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 and include reference number 2024-136

If you have questions about this role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Intermediate Solicitor - Care and Protection / Family Law Practice - Lismore enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.