Criminal Lawyer

Queensland Government; Sunshine Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary packaging

36.25 hrs per week

12.75% employer super contributions

Flexible working hours

Study leave for approved courses

Job summary

Queensland Government is hiring on a temporary full-time basis for 2026/27 to provide legal services in criminal law matters through Legal Aid Queensland. The role involves representation in Magistrates Court, duties as a duty lawyer, and contributions to policy and law reform initiatives.

The position emphasizes trauma-informed engagement with clients and collaboration within a team, with flexible hours, salary packaging, and study leave options.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience independently preparing, representing and advocating in criminal law and related matters.
• Knowledge of practice and procedure and ethical standards applicable to the role.
• 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 appearing for accused in general criminal law matters, notably in the Magistrates Court and District Court sentences.
• 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 members of the public.
• Assist and guide team members and other Legal Aid Queensland staff with enquiries related to a specific area of law.
• Deliver outcomes through self-management with supervision from senior practitioners.
• Collaborate on submissions supporting Legal Aid Queensland's policy, procedure and law reform initiatives.
• Help initiate and maintain networks with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to team planning and improvements to work practices.

Skills

Criminal law advocacy

Legal ethics & procedure

Trauma-informed communication

Job description

Key Details

• 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


• Flexible working hours


• Study leave for approved work-related courses.

Occupational group

Justice & Legal