About Legal Aid QueenslandLegal Aid Queensland's (LAQ) vision is to be a leader in a fair justice system where people are able to understand and protect their legal rights. Our purpose is to provide quality, cost effective legal services to financially disadvantaged people throughout Queensland.
About the Team
LAQ's Public Defender Chambers is made up of our in-house counsel providing efficient, effective and high-quality specialist legal advocacy services. The division:
- carries out complex trials and sentences in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts.
- appears in the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
- appears in Mental Health Court sittings.
- provides advice and representation in family and civil law matters.
- models the values of respect, quality and accountability.
- maintains a high standard of practice through governance and risk management.
Our in-house counsel are based in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Southport, Maroochydore and Ipswich, with counsel able to appear in Brisbane and regional courts, including circuit courts in remote areas such as Mount Isa and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
What you will do
The Public Defender role offers an outstanding opportunity for an experienced barrister to take on a leadership position that is recognised and respected not only within Legal Aid Queensland, but the broader legal profession in Queensland.
You will lead a collegiate team of barristers, represent legally-aided clients in the High Court of Australia, Court of Appeal, the Mental Health Court, Supreme Court and before all other court jurisdictions, with a focus on appeals and serious crime. You will be dealing with matters that are challenging, complex and high-profile.
About You
- You have outstanding and highly developed written and oral advocacy skills as demonstrated in cases of the highest level of difficulty and complexity. You also have demonstrated the ability to critically review case materials and advise on, draft and argue grounds of appeal in the Queensland Court of Appeal and High Court of Australia.
- You have expert knowledge of the substantive and procedural criminal law in Queensland and have knowledge of civil and family law. You have notable experience and command respect for professional competence and integrity from the judiciary and members of the private profession.
- You have the capacity to take on management responsibilities. You contribute to professional development, including providing clear guidance, constructive feedback and mentoring.
- You can contribute to the Public Defender Chambers strategic direction, investigate ways to improve effectiveness and maintain flexibility in a changing environment.
- You can represent Legal Aid Queensland effectively in public and internal forums. You can build and sustain relationships in the organisation and with external professional stakeholders.
Mandatory Requirements
- Admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a barrister in Queensland; and
- Eligible for a current practicing certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
To apply, please provide
- a cover letter about what you can bring to the role (no more than one page);
- a written statement (two pages) on how you have demonstrated the capabilities outlined in the 'About You' section; and
- your resume detailing your relevant experience, work history and qualifications.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.