Junior Solicitor (Family Violence Prevention Unit)

Aboriginal Legal Service; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Annual leave loading 17.5%

Career and professional development

Job summary

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) in Canberra seeks a Junior Solicitor to join the Family Violence Prevention Unit. You will provide culturally safe legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients facing family violence or sexual assault, across family law, civil matters and care and protection.

This full-time, permanent role requires a NSW/ACT Practising Certificate or eligibility, strong advocacy skills and the ability to manage a diverse caseload while

Qualifications

• Hold a current NSW/ACT Practising Certificate or be eligible to obtain one immediately.
• Understand family and domestic violence and its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
• Commitment to culturally safe, high-quality legal representation and advocacy.
• Excellent communication, legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills with strong time management and organisational abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and a diverse caseload while meeting deadlines.
• Hold a current unrestricted NSW/ACT Driver Licence and Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check, or be eligible to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe legal advice and representation to clients across family violence, family law, civil law and care and protection matters.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, including Domestic and Family Violence Duty Lawyer Services.
• Support clients through advocacy, referrals and tailored legal support.
• Deliver community legal education and early intervention initiatives to empower Aboriginal communities.
• Manage a diverse caseload, maintain accurate client records and ensure high-quality legal practice and compliance.
• Build relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders and community organisations to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Communication skills

Legal research

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Time management

Organisational skills

Culturally safe practice

Education

Practising Certificate NSW/ACT

Job description

Junior Solicitor (Family Violence Prevention Unit)

Job: 1708062 | Full-Time | Permanent | Canberra, ACT | $89,829 - $106,181 (Based on Experience)

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

You’ll provide culturally safe legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients experiencing, or at risk of family violence or sexual assault within the Family Violence Prevention Unit. The role focuses on delivering meaningful legal support, advocating justice and strengthening outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Each day, you will:

• Provide culturally safe legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across family violence, family law, civil law and care and protection matters.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, including attending Domestic and Family Violence Duty Lawyer Services.
• Support clients experiencing or at risk of family violence and sexual assault through advocacy, referrals and tailored legal support.
• Deliver community legal education and early intervention initiatives to empower Aboriginal communities.
• Manage a diverse caseload, maintain accurate client records and ensure high-quality legal practice and compliance.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders and community organisations to achieve positive client outcomes.

Your Story & Strengths

You are a skilled and motivated rising legal start, who understands and respects the cultural, social, and historical context that shapes the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You bring both technical excellence and a deep commitment to community and justice.

Key strengths include:

• Hold a current NSW/ACT Practising Certificate or be eligible to obtain one immediately.
• Demonstrate an understanding of family and domestic violence and its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.
• Have a strong commitment to providing culturally safe, high-quality legal representation and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Possess excellent communication, legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong time management and organisational abilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and handle a diverse caseload while meeting deadlines.
• Hold a current unrestricted NSW/ACT Driver Licence and relevant Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check, or be eligible to obtain one.

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 Vulnerable People (ACT) 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.

Additional Information

• Help create safer futures and brighter tomorrows for Aboriginal families!
• Support families through legal advice, court advocacy and early intervention.
• $89,829 - $106,181 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!