- Create lasting impact for community through justice and advocacy!
- Lead complex criminal trials and coronial inquests across NSW.
- $152,646 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!
Job: 1640658 | Full-Time | Fixed- Term (12 Months) | Lismore or Coffs Harbour, 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 member of the Criminal Law Practice, you will deliver expert and fearless advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in complex criminal matters and coronial inquests. You will have a profound impact on communities by providing culturally safe, respectful, and trauma-informed representation, while strengthening ALS practice through leadership, mentoring, and specialist legal expertise. Each day, you will:
- Act as lead advocate in complex coronial inquests and serious criminal matters, including District Court jury trials, providing strategic representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and their families.
- Represent clients across Local, Children’s and District Courts and relevant tribunals, delivering high-quality criminal and coronial law advice and advocacy.
- Provide culturally safe, respectful and trauma-informed support to families throughout the coronial inquest process.
- Mentor and support less experienced ALS solicitors, assist with case preparation, and contribute to CPD delivery and professional development.
- Maintain strong relationships with courts, counsel, government agencies and community stakeholders, and contribute to law reform and sector engagement as required.
- Ensure high standards of ethical practice, accurate file management, legal knowledge, and compliance with ALS policies, WHS, and professional obligations.
Your Story & Strengths
You are an experienced and highly motivated legal leader who demonstrates a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical context that shapes the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You combine technical legal expertise with fearless advocacy and a strong commitment to justice and community outcomes. Key strengths include:
- A NSW Practising Certificate with at least 5 years’ post-qualification experience in a Criminal Law practice.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex criminal matters, including committals and serious hearings, with strong advocacy skills across courts and tribunals.
- Strong cultural competence and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with commitment to culturally safe practice and social justice principles.
- Highly developed legal research, analytical and statutory interpretation skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work autonomously in a high-volume environment.
- Commitment to ethical practice, WHS, diversity and inclusion, with a current NSW driver’s licence and willingness to travel intrastate.
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 National Police Check and 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
[email protected] - 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.