• Job: 2024-117
• Part-Time (17.5 hrs/pw - Mon, Tues, Wed)
• Fixed Term (To June 2025)
• Canberra, ACT

This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Primary Purpose of the Role

The primary responsibility of the Paralegal (Canberra) is to assist Solicitors in the delivery of high-quality legal support services to Aboriginal clients.  

The position holder will be responsible for undertaking a range of high quality and efficient paralegal and administrative tasks supporting primarily the Canberra Criminal Law Practice and other practice areas within the Canberra office as required.  

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 Paralegal is part of the Criminal Law Practice and based at Canberra, ACT.

The Paralegal will be responsible for:

• Undertake administrative tasks within the Canberra Criminal Law Practice and other practice areas within the Canberra office as required, including opening new files drafting and filing applications, communicating with clients and their families, rehabilitation facilities and other relevant service providers all within agreed time-frames.
• Organise client files for the next week’s court dates, input of statistical data into CMS database including opening, closing, archiving files and other general data entry.
• Liaise with Police, Barristers, DPP, Solicitors, Court Staff, Corrective Services other ALS staff members and stakeholders for specified tasks as requested by solicitors including sending briefs, confirming dates, making appointments.
• Assist with administration and reception as required and provide secretarial support services to Criminal Law Solicitors when required.
• Prepare correspondence, briefs of evidence, subpoenas, affidavits, court reports and other documents.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Proven computer systems skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook and typing skills with a minimum of 35 wpm 
• Excellent phone manner and communication skills and experience in operating a small to medium switchboard 
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work independently in a team environment with limited supervision 

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.

A position description is attached.