Criminal Lawyer (Toowoomba)

Queensland Government; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Legal Aid Queensland in Toowoomba is seeking a Criminal Lawyer to join our regional team. You will work on a broad range of criminal and quasi-criminal matters, appear regularly in court, advise clients, and contribute to the improvement of legal aid service delivery and the broader criminal justice system.

This role offers diverse advocacy opportunities in Magistrates and Children's Courts, with a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development in a mission‑driven

Qualifications

• Must be passionate about criminal law and committed to access to justice.
• Confident in advocacy and keen to further develop their experience.
• Able to manage a varied caseload in a busy practice environment.
• A strong communicator who works well with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proactive, resilient and committed to high-quality legal service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in general criminal matters, prepare files, instruct counsel, and appear for accused persons.
• Provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts.
• Appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
• Provide legal information and advice to clients and the public.
• Support colleagues and staff with enquiries in specific areas of law.
• Contribute to submissions that support policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives.
• Build and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• Contribute to team planning and continuous improvement in work practices.

Skills

Criminal Law

Advocacy

Caseload management

Communication

Resilience

Job description

Make the next step in your legal career and make a genuine difference in regional Queensland.

Legal Aid Queensland is looking for a talented and motivated Criminal Lawyer to join our Toowoomba team. If you are ready to build on your advocacy experience, work on varied and meaningful criminal law matters, and be part of an organisation committed to access to justice, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

This role offers the chance to work on a broad range of criminal and quasi-criminal law matters, appearing regularly in court, advising clients, and helping people navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives. You will enjoy a diverse and rewarding practice, while also contributing to improvements in legal aid service delivery and the broader criminal justice system.

Whether you are looking to deepen your courtroom experience, expand your casework capability, or take on a role with real purpose, this position offers the opportunity to do all three in a supportive and respected legal practice.

Key Details

• There is one Temporary Full Time position from date of appointment till 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension.
• There is one Temporary Part Time positions (.6FTE) from February 2027 for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Why this role?

• appear regularly in the Magistrates Court and Children's Court, with exposure to District Court sentences
• work on a diverse range of criminal law and related matters
• strengthen your advocacy, case preparation and client management skills
• provide legal advice and duty lawyer services that make a direct impact
• contribute to policy, law reform and service improvement initiatives
• work in a supportive and collaborative team environment.

What you'll do

• represent clients in general criminal law matters, including preparing files, instructing counsel and personally appearing for accused persons
• provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts
• appear on higher court call-overs and mentions
• provide legal information and advice to clients and members of the public
• support colleagues and other Legal Aid Queensland staff with enquiries in specific areas of law
• contribute to submissions that support policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives
• build and maintain productive stakeholder relationships
• contribute to team planning and continuous improvement in work practices.

What we're looking for

• passionate about criminal law and committed to access to justice
• confident in advocacy and keen to further develop their experience
• able to manage a varied caseload in a busy practice environment
• a strong communicator who works well with clients, colleagues and stakeholders
• proactive, resilient and committed to high-quality legal service delivery.

Why Legal Aid Queensland?

At Legal Aid Queensland, you'll do work that matters. You'll help people facing serious legal issues, support fairer outcomes and contribute to a more accessible justice system.

This is a rewarding opportunity to grow your criminal law career in a role that offers challenge, purpose and professional development in a supportive regional team.

Occupational group Justice & Legal