- Walk alongside Aboriginal communities to create lasting change!
- Balance court advocacy, casework and community engagement.
- $89,829 - $93,411 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!
Job: 1661500 | Full-Time | Permanent | Newcastle, NSW | $89,829 - $93,411 (Based on Experience)
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 valued member of the Care & Protection/Family Law Practice, you'll provide high-quality, culturally safe legal advice, representation, and advocacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across Care & Protection and Family Law matters. Managing your own caseload, you'll deliver ethical, client-focused legal services that strengthen families, uphold cultural respect, and improve access to justice. Each day, you will:
- Deliver culturally safe legal advice, advocacy, and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across Care & Protection, Family and Domestic Violence Law matters, including court appearances, duty services, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Manage a diverse caseload from intake to resolution, including case preparation, legal research, drafting court documents, and maintaining accurate case records in line with ALS policies and professional standards.
- Provide early intervention, referrals, outreach services, Community Legal Education, and information sessions to improve access to justice and support positive outcomes for clients and communities.
- Assess the merit of legal matters under delegated authority while ensuring compliance with legislation, ALS policies, practice standards, and ethical obligations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement through collaboration, law reform initiatives, policy and procedure development, and ongoing professional learning.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, communities, and external stakeholders to deliver coordinated, culturally responsive legal services.
Your Story & Strengths
You are a skilled and passionate legal professional who combines strong technical capability with a deep commitment to justice, community, and culturally safe practice. You understand the unique cultural, social, and historical contexts impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are driven to deliver meaningful legal support, advocacy, and positive outcomes for clients and communities. Key strengths include:
- A current NSW Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain immediately) with knowledge of NSW Care, Protection, and Family Law legislation.
- Demonstrated ability to provide culturally safe legal advice, advocacy, and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in courts and tribunals.
- Strong legal skills, including research, statutory interpretation, analytical thinking, and the preparation of high-quality legal documents, correspondence, and submissions.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client service skills, with the ability to manage a high-volume caseload, meet deadlines, and work autonomously.
- Understanding and respect for the cultural, social, and historical experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a commitment to culturally responsive service delivery.
- Current unrestricted NSW/ACT Driver’s Licence and relevant Working with Children Check (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT), or ability to obtain.
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.