• This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position, authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• Salary To $191,672 + Super + Salary Packaging
• Canberra is the preferred location for this role, however applications are welcomed from individuals based in other locations.

Join a proudly Aboriginal-owned and community-controlled organisation committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In this key leadership role, you will lead the ACT Law Practice to ensure delivery of ALS day-to-day delivery of high quality and culturally appropriate legal services, along with key initiatives and strategies. You will be responsible for ensuring effective service delivery, managing a team of legal professionals, and driving strategic initiatives in alignment with ALS’s mission and values.

As the Principal Solicitor, you will provide expert legal guidance, oversee compliance with professional and ethical standards, and develop strong stakeholder relationships to support collaborative service delivery. You will also play a key role in organisational strategy, policy development, and advocacy for legal reform that benefits Aboriginal communities.

Each day, you can expect to:

• Lead and oversee the delivery of high-quality, culturally appropriate civil law services, including legal advice, referrals, and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
• Lead and oversee the ACT justice support programs including the bail support program
• Ensure the compliance of the ACT Legal Practice with professional and ethical standards and obligations at all times
• Ensure competent representation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander clients before the justice system in courts of all levels
• Manage and develop a team of legal professionals, overseeing performance, professional development, training, and onboarding.
• Advise senior leadership by providing strategic legal, policy, and operational recommendations to the Principal Legal Officer and CEO.
• Represent the ALS before State and Federal jurisdictions/agencies, forums, conferences, seminars and committees as appropriate
• Manage key performance indicators and meet reporting requirements of ALS funded agreements relating to the ACT Practice
• Interact with third party stakeholders and/or their legal representatives and take a lead role in representing and presenting the ALS position
• In partnership with ALS stakeholders, maintain and develop relationships with State, Territory and Local governments/bodies and other major external stakeholders
• Drive strategic initiatives in alignment with ALS’s goals, working collaboratively with other business units and contributing to the ALS senior leadership team.
• Advocate for policy reform by contributing to legal policy positions, law reform submissions, and strategic advocacy efforts.
• Represent ALS on committees, working groups, and public forums to communicate the organisation’s mission and priorities effectively.
• Manage resources and reporting, ensuring the Civil Law Practice operates efficiently within budget and meets key performance indicators as required by funding agreements.

Who Are We Looking For?

You must identify and be recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have extensive experience practising civil law, currently holding an unrestricted practising certificate in NSW.

With proven leadership experience, you can lead & develop a team, build deep relationships with stakeholder, and be accountable for strategic planning. Your excellent communication, problem-solving, and risk management capabilities, coupled with a deep understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social needs, sets you apart from your peers.

Your professional experience should demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• Lived experience of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture and social needs
• Proven senior management experience and capabilities, working within a blended law practice and service delivery environment
• Proven leadership, interpersonal, influencing, communication, collaboration, change management and people management skills
• Ability to promote a sense of shared purpose and enable staff to understand links between organisation goals and day to day service delivery
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage service delivery, and drive strategic initiatives within a legal practice.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, case law, court procedure and legal ethics to effectively represent and advocate for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander clients
• Ability to meet deadlines, work without supervision and manage a diverse workload, together with high level conceptual, analytical and research skills
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social needs, ensuring the delivery of culturally appropriate legal services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage risks, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, and adhering to internal policies.

Please note that due to the criticality of this role to our organisation, we will move at pace through our recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP. The role will close when an offer is accepted by a suitable candidate.

At ALS, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role.