Counsel - Targeted

Legal Aid Queensland; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36.25 hrs per week

12.75% super

Salary packaging

Study leave

First Nations mentoring

Confidential counselling

WFH options

Cultural leave

Consult on First Nations work

Cultural awareness training

Job summary

Legal Aid Queensland is seeking a talented criminal lawyer to join our Public Defender Chambers. This role offers hands-on advocacy across diverse criminal matters while collaborating with senior counsel.

Regular appearances across jurisdictions, mentoring, policy work, and opportunities to support access to justice for Queenslanders are provided, including travel across regional and remote communities. Full-time hours with generous benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• We’re looking for a lawyer with strong criminal law experience.
• Sound understanding of evidence and criminal procedure.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to identify and navigate complex legal, factual and ethical issues.
• Commitment to social justice and helping Queenslanders access quality representation.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on advocacy across a broad range of criminal matters.
• Work alongside experienced counsel in a Public Defender Chambers.
• Contribute to policy, strategy and legal education.

Skills

Criminal law

Evidence & procedure

Advocacy skills

Oral advocacy

Job description

Are you an accomplished criminal lawyer ready to take the next step towards a career in specialist advocacy?

About Legal Aid Queensland

Legal Aid Queensland's 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.

We embrace diversity, flexibility, learning and continuous improvement to deliver quality legal services. The work is challenging but rewarding - and that is why staff wellbeing and work/life balance are a top priority for us.

Legal Aid Queensland is committed to building and maintaining a strong First Nations workforce and building our cultural capability. This is a targeted vacancy under section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply and may be prioritised in this process. Please note that this position is open to everyone and works with all clients and staff, not predominately or exclusively with First Nations clients and staff.

Legal Aid Queensland acknowledges and respects the Traditional Custodians of the land where our offices stand, and where we work to help disadvantaged Queenslanders uphold their legal rights in our justice system.

About the role

Legal Aid Queensland is seeking a talented and motivated practitioner to join our highly respected Public Defender Chambers. This unique opportunity offers hands‑on advocacy experience across a broad range of criminal matters while working alongside some of Queensland's most experienced counsel.

This role offers an exceptional pathway for criminal lawyers seeking to strengthen their courtroom expertise and establish themselves as advocates.

You’ll benefit from:

• Regular appearances across multiple jurisdictions
• Mentoring and guidance from experienced counsel
• Exposure to complex and diverse criminal matters
• Opportunities to contribute to policy, strategy and legal education
• Meaningful work supporting access to justice for vulnerable Queenslanders
• A collaborative and collegiate professional environment
• Travel opportunities throughout Queensland, including regional and remote communities

About you

We’re looking for a lawyer who:

• Has strong experience in criminal law
• Possesses a sound understanding of evidence and criminal procedure
• Demonstrates excellent written and oral advocacy skills
• Can identify and navigate complex legal, factual and ethical issues
• Is committed to social justice and helping disadvantaged Queenslanders access quality legal representation
• Thrives in challenging and dynamic environments

We offer:

• Full time hours: 36.25 hrs per week
• 12.75% super
• Generous salary packaging available
• Study leave and assistance for approved courses

For First Nations employees:

• First Nations mentoring
• Free confidential counselling sessions for your family with a First Nations provider
• WFH options and cultural leave
• Opportunities to consult on First Nations work being done
• Compulsory cultural awareness and safety training for all staff

Check out our First Nations Strategic Plan

Find out more about working in Legal Aid Queensland here: https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/About-us/Careers