Trial Advocate, Criminal Law Practice

Help create fairer outcomes and brighter futures for First Nations communities!Advocate in court, mentor colleagues, and tackle complex criminal cases.$152,646 - $157,429 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!Job: 1168517 | Full-Time | Permanent | Newcastle, NSW | $152,646 - $157,429 (Based on Experience)The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established in a critical act of self-determination over 50 years ago as part of the Aboriginal rights protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT, and fight for social justice and equity for our communities.Your ImpactRoleAs a valued member of the Criminal Law Practice, you’ll play a key role in representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in complex criminal cases, providing expert advocacy in court, and preparing briefs for counsel. This role ensures high-quality legal support while respecting and incorporating First Nations cultural practices. Each day, you will:Represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in complex criminal cases across Local, Children’s District, and other court or tribunals.Conduct high-quality legal research, prepare briefs, and provide independent, professional, and criminal law advice.Mentor and support junior solicitor and deliver CPD seminars and training for staff and external audiences.Maintain expert knowledge of criminal law, case law, legislation, and court procedures while upholding cultural respect.Liaise with stakeholders, build inter-agency relationships, and contribute to policy, law reform, and ALS representation at meetings and conferences.Ensure professional, ethical, and compliant management of flies, workplace practiced, and ALS strategic objectives.Travel within designated regions as required to undertake casework and attend relevant court matters.Your Story & StrengthsYou Are An Experienced And Passionate Legal Advocate Dedicated To Achieving Justice For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Clients. You Combine Expert Knowledge Of Criminal Law With a Deep Respect For First Nations Cultural Practices And Community Values. You Thrive In Complex Cases, Mentor Colleagues, And Are Committed To Ethical, Accountable, And Fearless Advocacy. Key Strengths IncludeNSW-qualified lawyer with minimum 5 years’ criminal law advocacy experience, including complex defended hearings.Strong commitment to social justice and representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in courts and tribunals.Deep understanding and respect for First Nations cultural and social needs in client, community, and workplace interactions.Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including legal research, drafting, and community legal education.Ability to manage high-volume workloads, meet deadlines, work independently, and maintain professional and ethical standards.(Desirable) NSW Driver’s licence and willingness to travel for regional and intrastate work.Our Journey TogetherBenefitsAt ALS, you’ll find a career that truly matters, one where your work has purpose and impact every day. We are proud to offer a supportive and rewarding environment with a range of generous benefits, including:Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.Annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.Career and professional development opportunitiesPlease include in your application a document detailing complex work you have done including but not limited to:Complex and serious Local Court and Children's Court mattersDistrict Court trials, sentences, and appeals.Any Supreme Court instructing or appearances.Specific examples of any complex legal issues you have dealt with in your practice.CPDs or mentoringAt 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 National Police Check and Working with Children (NSW) check for this role.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 Talent Team at talent@alsnswact.org.auInterested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we are moving quickly with this recruitment process.