Intermediate Solicitor (Care, Protection & Family Law)

Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT; Lismore; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Annual leave loading 17.5%

Career and professional development

Job summary

Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT – Lismore NSW is seeking an Intermediate Solicitor in Care, Protection & Family Law, with a fixed-term engagement (Feb 2028) for Lismore or Newcastle. The role involves providing high-quality, culturally grounded legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients, managing a busy caseload, and mentoring junior solicitors.

A NSW Practising Certificate and 2+ years of court advocacy are essential.

Qualifications

• NSW Practising Certificate required with minimum 2 years' court advocacy experience.
• Strong knowledge of Family Law, Care & Protection, and FCFCOA procedures.
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social needs, with commitment to social justice.
• Excellent communication, research, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills; able to meet deadlines and work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to collaborate in a team while applying sound judgment.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally, interstate, and within metropolitan areas as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, culturally appropriate legal advice and representation for Aboriginal clients, including children in care or at risk.
• Manage a busy caseload, preparing briefs, attending court, and ensuring balanced, professional legal outcomes.
• Mentor and supervise junior solicitors, fostering collaboration and professional development.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and interagency partners, ensuring effective communication and advocacy.
• Stay up to date with legal developments, policies, and procedures, maintaining professional competence and ethical practice.
• Support ALS operations through file management, technology use, and travel as required.

Skills

Court advocacy

Family Law

Care & Protection

FCFCOA procedures

Communication

Research

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

NSW Practising Certificate

Job description

Intermediate Solicitor (Care, Protection & Family Law)

Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT – Lismore NSW

Job: 1677924 | Full-Time | Fixed-Term (Feb 2028) | Lismore or Newcastle, NSW | $129,490 (Fixed Pay)

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established in a critical act of self-determination over 50 years ago as part of the Aboriginal rights protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT, and fight for social justice and equity for our communities.

Your Impact

As a trusted member of the Care & Protection/Family Law Practice, you will help shape safer, stronger futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. You will deliver culturally grounded, high-quality legal advice and representation with professionalism, integrity, and compassion, advocating fearlessly while supporting and guiding others. Each day, you will:

• Provide high-quality, culturally appropriate legal advice and representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, including children in care or at risk.
• Manage a busy caseload, preparing briefs, attending court, and ensuring balanced, professional legal outcomes.
• Mentor and supervise junior solicitors, fostering collaboration and professional development.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and interagency partners, ensuring effective communication and advocacy.
• Stay up to date with legal developments, policies, and procedures, maintaining professional competence and ethical practice.
• Support ALS operations through file management, technology use, law reform contributions, and regional travel as required.

Your Story & Strengths

You are a dedicated legal professional who brings expertise, integrity, and cultural respect to every interaction. You understand the diverse experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and approach your work with compassion, accountability, and a commitment to justice. You combine strong technical ability with a genuine desire to empower clients, support colleagues, and contribute to safer, stronger futures for families. Key strengths include:

• An NSW Practising Certificate and minimum 2 years' court advocacy experience.
• Strong knowledge of Family Law, Care & Protection, and FCFCOA procedures, with the ability to provide high-quality legal representation.
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social needs, with respect for community practices and commitment to social justice.
• Excellent communication, research, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills; able to meet deadlines and work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of working collaboratively in a team while applying sound judgment.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally, interstate, and within metropolitan areas as required.

Our Journey Together

At ALS, you’ll find a career that truly matters, one where your work has purpose and impact every day. We are proud to offer a supportive and rewarding environment with a range of generous benefits, including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.
• Career and professional development opportunities

Caring for Community & You

To protect the communities we serve, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid National Police Check and Working with Children (NSW) check for this role.

ALS is committed to equal opportunity and cultural safety in recruitment for all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support throughout the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Team at ******@alsnswact.org.au - we will work with you to ensure an accessible and supportive experience.