* Stand with First Nations clients to deliver justice and strengthen communities
* Lead teams, manage caseloads, and deliver meaningful legal services.
* $152,646 + super + salary packaging & leave loading
Job: | Full-Time | Permanent | Newcastle, NSW | $152,646 (Fixed Pay)
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 senior leader in the Criminal Law Practice, you will shape access to justice for First Nations clients by delivering culturally grounded, high-quality legal advice and representation. You will lead and mentor a dynamic team, manage complex workloads, and drive initiatives in community outreach, early intervention, and legal education, making a tangible difference in the lives of clients and the strength of communities. Each day, you will:
* Lead, supervise, and manage staff, workloads, and resources across the cluster to ensure efficient legal service delivery.
* Conduct complex criminal matters in Local, Children's, District, and Supreme Courts, providing high-quality legal representation.
* Support recruitment, induction, training, professional development, and performance management of staff and volunteers.
* Coordinate court schedules, allocate work, and implement policies to maintain an effective and compliant legal practice.
* Engage with communities and stakeholders through education programs, outreach, and initiatives that raise ALS's profile.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, policies, and procedures, and travel regionally or interstate as required.
Your Story & Strengths
You are a highly skilled and motivated senior legal leader, committed to delivering justice with integrity and cultural respect. You understand the social, historical, and cultural factors that shape the lives of First Nations people and approach your work with empathy, professionalism, and accountability. You combine legal expertise with strong leadership, mentoring, and team management skills, driving meaningful outcomes for clients, staff, and communities. Key strengths include:
* Current NSW Practising Certificate with up to 4 years' criminal law experience and proven ability to represent Aboriginal clients.
* Experience managing legal offices, supervising staff, allocating work, and overseeing workloads and performance.
* Strong knowledge of criminal law, legislation, case law, and court procedures, with the ability to brief and instruct Counsel.
* Deep understanding of First Nations cultural and social needs, with respect for community practices in client and staff interactions.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and people management skills; able to work independently and meet deadlines.
* Commitment to workplace health, safety, ethics, diversity, and performing delegated duties professionally.
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
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) 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
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we are moving quickly with this recruitment process.