Job: | Full-Time | Fixed-Term (12 Month Contract) | Nowra, NSW
Please note that due to the criticality of this role to our organisation, we will move at a pace through our recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP. The role will close when an offer is accepted by a suitable candidate.
The Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Limited (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.
What Will You Do?
As a Solicitor in our Family Violence Prevention Unit, you'll play a key role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients impacted by family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. You'll join a high-performing, culturally driven legal team within our Care, Protection & Family Law Practice and contribute to real change in the community. You will:
* Provide culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in various legal matters, including domestic and family violence, sexual assault, family law, and civil law.
* Communicate effectively with distressed clients, including those with disabilities, mental health conditions and/or experiencing acute trauma, while simplifying complex legal concepts.
* Attend Duty Lawyer Services for domestic and family violence matters at Local Courts.
* Manage a busy caseload while contributing to law reform and policy submissions.
* Stay updated on emerging legal issues, case law, and court procedures, and maintain professional competence.
* Deliver community legal education on domestic violence, sexual assault, and family law to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
* Supervise more junior employees and contribute to practice leadership.
Who Are We Looking For?
We're looking for a highly skilled and passionate legal professional who brings not only strong technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical contexts affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will need to demonstrate:
* A minimum of 3 year's experience in Family and Domestic Violence, Care & Protection, and Family Law.
* Experience in conducting matters in various courts, including Local Courts, Children's Court, and the Family Court of Australia.
* Hold legal qualification with a current NSW Practising Certificate.
* Ability to provide legal representation to Aboriginal people in rural and remote communities.
* Strong written and oral communication skills, with excellent time management, legal research, and problem-solving abilities.
* Willingness to travel independently to regional offices for work purposes and manage a diverse workload.
Why Join Us?
At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer our staff 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) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role.
We are focused 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