Ref: 2024-92 | Full-Time | Fixed Term to June 2026 | Flexible Location

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Diverse civil law practice across various areas including fines, employment, housing, and consumer matters.
• Involvement in community legal education and outreach initiatives.

Primary Purpose of the role

The primary purpose of this role is to deliver culturally appropriate legal advice, assistance and representation services to clients in civil matters including fines, employment, housing, social security, NDIS and consumer matters amongst others. While primarily assisting clients of the ALS Child and Family Advocacy and Support (ACFAS) program, the role will also contribute to the development and delivery of the civil law practice and its services as a whole.

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 Solicitor role is part of the Civil Law Practice and will primarily deliver civil law services to clients of a new family-oriented justice program, the ALS Child and Family Advocacy and Support (ACFAS) program.

The Solicitor role will:

• Provide high-quality, culturally sensitive advice and casework in areas like fines, consumer law, mental health, human rights, employment, housing, and social security.
• Conduct community legal education, outreach, and assist in preparing promotional materials.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders and service delivery partners.
• Stay updated on relevant civil law, legislation, and court procedures.
• Communicate with and represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, including those with disabilities, addictions, in distress, or in complex legal matters.
• Contribute to law and policy reform initiatives.
• Comply with legal ethical obligations.
• Adhere to ALS’s EEO and WHS policies and guidelines.
• Demonstrate commitment to ALS Values and Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional duties as required.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

Essential

• Legal qualifications and an NSW Practising Certificate with at least 3 years' experience in Civil Law.
• Strong knowledge of civil law practices and procedures.
• Ability to provide high-quality legal representation and advice to Aboriginal clients.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight for outreach, community legal education, or training.
• Understanding and respect for the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people, ensuring culturally appropriate service delivery.
• Knowledge 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 employees

Desirable

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Knowledge of, and experience in care and protection law
• Current valid unrestricted NSW Driver’s license 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.

At ALS NSW/ACT, we are committed 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 Recruitment Team at [email protected].

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 and include reference number 2024-92 - Intermediate Solicitor, Civil Law Practice

If you have questions about this role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Intermediate Solicitor, Civil Law Practice enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please apply promptly, as we may shortlist and commence interviews within the advertising period.