Criminal Lawyer - Cairns (Flexible Full-Time)

Legal Aid; Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 108,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid Queensland in Cairns is seeking a motivated Criminal Lawyer to join our Cairns office. You will prepare cases, appear in court, provide legal information and advice, and support clients through complex legal issues.

This role offers hands-on advocacy experience across criminal and quasi-criminal matters, with opportunities to work in Magistrates and Children's Courts, contribute to policy and service improvements, and grow under senior practitioners in a supportive regional team.

Qualifications

• Motivated Criminal Lawyer to join Cairns office.
• Wants to expand experience in criminal law and advocacy.
• Able to manage a varied workload in a busy practice environment.
• Clear and confident communicator.
• Committed to high-quality client service and access to justice.
• Able to work effectively with clients who may have complex needs.

Responsibilities

• represent clients in criminal law matters, including preparing matters and instructing counsel in all jurisdictions
• personally appear for legally aided clients at bail applications, pleas, summary trials and committal hearings in the Magistrates and Children's Courts
• provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts, including for clients in custody
• appear on higher court call-overs and mentions
• provide legal information and advice to clients and members of the public
• deliver outcomes through self-management, with supervision and guidance from senior legal practitioners as required
• support Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives
• help initiate and maintain productive internal and external stakeholder relationships
• contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.

Skills

Criminal law

Advocacy

Court appearances

Client service

Job description

Legal Aid Queensland in Cairns is seeking a motivated Criminal Lawyer to join our Cairns office. You will prepare cases, appear in court, provide legal information and advice, and support clients through complex legal issues.

This role offers hands-on advocacy experience across criminal and quasi-criminal matters, with opportunities to work in Magistrates and Children's Courts, contribute to policy and service improvements, and grow under senior practitioners in a supportive regional team.