This is an outstanding opportunity for a legal professional to take on a position delivering high quality criminal law services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

About Us

Legal Aid Queensland is the state’s largest criminal law defence practice, employing some of Queensland’s leading criminal defence lawyers. Legal Aid Queensland represents children and adults charged with criminal offences before all courts in Queensland. From magistrates court duty lawyer services to complex trials and appeal cases in the higher courts, we protect people’s rights and play an integral role in the state’s criminal justice system.

About the Role

As a criminal lawyer, you will prepare cases, advocate for your clients and provide advice about criminal law matters. You will have the chance to expand on your experience by undertaking interesting and varied casework in a wide range of criminal law and related matters. The role also gives you the opportunity to contribute to improvements to the legal aid and criminal justice systems. We support our staff through ongoing professional development opportunities and mentoring, and a balanced approach to work.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the following:

• Represent clients, including preparing matters, instructing counsel and personally appearing for accused persons in all general criminal law matters, particularly in the Magistrates Court but also District Court sentences.
• Provide legal information and advice to clients and the public in relation to various areas of law.
• Provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts and appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
• Help and guide team members and other Legal Aid Queensland staff with enquiries related to a specific area of law.

You will have:

• You have experience in the conduct of summary and indictable criminal law matters and related areas of law, including preparation, representation and advocacy experience.
• You have knowledge of the practice and procedure of criminal law, evidence and ethics. You are also committed to self-development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the criminal law and procedure.
• You can build and sustain relationships with team members, other colleagues and external stakeholders.
• You contribute to improvements in policy and operational practices and identify solutions to problems.

What we offer you

• 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• Generous salary packaging
• 12.75% employer super contributions
• Flexible working hours
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.

Mandatory requirements

• You must be:
  • Admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland; and
  • Eligible for a current practicing certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
• A current “Class C” Driver’s Licence will be highly desirable.

To apply for this role, you will need to provide:

• A written statement (2 pages) on how you have demonstrated the capabilities outlined in the ‘About You’ section
• Your resume/CV that details your relevant experience, work history and qualifications, and two referees.