Junior Criminal Solicitor – Community-Driven Justice (ACT)

Aboriginal Legal Service; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Annual leave loading 17.5%

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Aboriginal Legal Service in Canberra is seeking a Junior Solicitor to join the Criminal Law Practice. You will provide culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal clients, appearing in bail and court proceedings across ACT, and managing a busy caseload with thorough research and advocacy.

The role requires a current ACT Practising Certificate or ability to obtain it, strong advocacy and research skills, and a commitment to justice and cultural safety.

Qualifications

• ACT Practising Certificate with current criminal law knowledge.
• Advocacy experience with ability to appear in lists, bail applications and sentences.
• Understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Excellent communication, legal research, analytical, problem-solving and time management skills, with the ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to manage a diverse workload, meet deadlines and use MS Office.
• Strong respect for Aboriginal cultural practices and ability to obtain required checks.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate criminal law advice and representation to Aboriginal clients.
• Appear in bail, first appearances, lists, sentences and defended hearings across the ACT courts.
• Research, prepare and manage matters, briefs, files and a busy court-based caseload.
• Build respectful relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders, recognising cultural and individual needs.
• Maintain strong legal knowledge, professional standards, compliance and effective practice systems.
• Contribute to law reform, professional development, team collaboration and mentoring of junior solicitors.

Skills

ACT Practising Certificate

Advocacy experience

Communication skills

Legal research

Time management

Autonomy

Microsoft Office Suite

Cultural awareness

Education

ACT Practising Certificate or ability to obtain immediately

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Aboriginal Legal Service in Canberra is seeking a Junior Solicitor to join the Criminal Law Practice. You will provide culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal clients, appearing in bail and court proceedings across ACT, and managing a busy caseload with thorough research and advocacy.

The role requires a current ACT Practising Certificate or ability to obtain it, strong advocacy and research skills, and a commitment to justice and cultural safety.