Criminal Lawyer

Legal Aid Queensland; Maroochydore; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Study leave

36.25 hrs per week

12.75% employer super contributions

Job summary

Legal Aid Queensland in Australia is seeking a temporary full-time lawyer to represent clients in criminal matters, including preparing, instructing counsel, and appearing in the Magistrates Court as well as District Court sentences. The role covers duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts and involves higher court call-overs and mentions.

You will provide legal information to clients and the public, guide colleagues, and collaborate on policy and law reform initiatives.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience independently preparing, representing and advocating in criminal law and related matters.
• Knowledge of practice and procedure and ethical standards.
• Clear, concise and articulate communication with stakeholders including clients with complex needs using trauma-informed principles.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients, including preparing matters, instructing counsel and personally appearing for accused persons in general criminal law matters, especially in Magistrates Court.
• Provide duty lawyer services in Magistrates and Children's Courts and appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
• Provide legal information and advice to clients and the public.
• Assist and guide team members and staff with enquiries related to a specific area of law.
• Deliver outcomes through self-management and supervision from senior practitioners as required.
• Contribute to submissions supporting policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives.
• Help initiate and maintain networks with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.

Skills

Criminal law experience

Advocacy (court)

Client engagement

Ethical standards

Job description

• This position is Temporary Full time from 7 December 2026 till 7 December 2027 with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the following:

• Represent clients, including preparing matters, instructing counsel and personally appearing for accused persons in all general criminal law matters, particularly in the Magistrates Court but also District Court sentences.
• Provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts and appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
• Provide legal information and advice to clients and members of the public.
• Help and guide team members and other Legal Aid Queensland staff with enquiries related to a specific area of law.
• Deliver outcomes through self-management and with supervision and guidance from senior legal practitioners as required.
• Collaborate on submissions which support Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives.
• Help initiate and maintain networks with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.

About You:

• You have knowledge and experience independently preparing, representing and advocating in criminal law and related matters.
• You have knowledge of the practice and procedure of the relevant areas of law and ethical standards.
• You communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner and engage effectively with stakeholders including clients with complex needs using the principles of trauma informed practice.

What we offer you

• Generous salary packaging
• 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• 12.75% employer super contributions
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.