* Stand with First Nations clients to deliver justice and strengthen communities
* Lead local court practice and create change.
* $140,862 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!
Job: 1596899 | Full-Time | Permanent | Dubbo, NSW | $140,862 (Fixed Pay)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 Impact
As a leader within the Criminal Law Practice, you will provide high-quality criminal law advice and representation to First Nations clients while supporting the effective management of the local court practice. You will mentor junior solicitors and contribute to a culturally safe, ethical and high-performing legal service. Each day, you will:
* Provide high-quality criminal law advice and representation to First Nations clients across local, children’s, and District courts.
* Support and manage the local court practice, including rostering, workload allocation, and operational coordination.
* Mentor junior solicitors, assist with continuing legal education, and guide them in law, procedure, and practice management.
* Conduct legal research, prepare briefs, instruct counsel, and stay up-to-date with criminal law, legislation, and court procedures, as directed.
* Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including inter-agency partners.
* Contribute to ethical, culturally safe, and high-performing practice, including submissions on law reform and representation at meetings or conferences.
Your Story & Strengths
You are an experienced and values-driven legal leader with a strong understanding of the cultural, social and historical contexts shaping the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You combine technical excellence in criminal law with a deep commitment to community, justice and culturally safe practice. Key strengths include:
* Legal qualifications with a NSW Practicing Certificate and minimum 4 years’ criminal law experience.
* Extensive experience in complex criminal matters, with in-depth knowledge of criminal law and court procedures with particular emphasis on Local, Children’s Courts and District Court appeals
* Excellent communication, legal research, problem-solving, time management, and organisational skills; ability to work autonomously under pressure.
* Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and ethical practice, with commitment to workplace health, safety, and diversity.
* Strong understanding of First Nations cultural and social needs, with respect for cultural practices in client and community engagement
* Desirable: Supervisory experience and willingness to travel intrastate, including overnight stays and experience in EAGP matters or Youth Koori Court
Our Journey Together
At 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 opportunities
Caring for Community & You
To protect the communities we serve, 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) check for this role.
ALS is committed to equal opportunity and cultural safety in recruitment for all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support throughout the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Team at - we will work with you to ensure an accessible and supportive experience.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.