Senior Solicitor (Criminal Law Practice)

Aboriginal Legal Service; Sydney; On-site; AUD 145,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not‑for‑profit salary packaging

Leave loading 17.5%

Career and professional development

Job summary

Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern, NSW, is seeking a Senior Solicitor (Criminal Law) to deliver culturally safe legal services to Aboriginal clients and advocate in Local, District and Supreme Courts. You will support the Women’s Bail Advocacy Program and mentor junior solicitors, contributing to a high‑performing team.

You will lead on advocacy, case management, research and reporting, with opportunities for professional development within a supportive not‑for‑profit environment.

Qualifications

• Hold a current Practising Certificate with a minimum of 4 years’ experience.
• Strong criminal law expertise with bail, hearings, appeals and sentences.
• Culturally safe, trauma‑informed communication and understanding of Aboriginal women’s issues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver culturally safe, high‑quality legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients across criminal matters.
• Advocate in Local, District and Supreme Courts.
• Support the Women’s Bail Advocacy Program through trauma‑informed advocacy and client support.
• Mentor and guide junior solicitors and staff to build a collaborative team.
• Drive practice excellence through legal research, policy input, accurate case management and reporting.

Skills

Criminal law

Advocacy

Trauma‑informed communication

Mentoring

Job description

Senior Solicitor (Criminal Law Practice)

Job: 1679686 | Full-Time | Fixed-Term (May 2027) | Redfern, NSW| $145,088 - $151,235 (Based on Experience)

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 valued member of the Criminal Law Practice, you’ll deliver high‑quality, culturally safe legal services and advocate for Aboriginal clients, while supporting the Women’s Bail Advocacy Program. You’ll contribute to practice excellence through strong advocacy, collaboration, mentoring and stakeholder engagement to help achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal women. Each day, you will:

• Deliver culturally safe, high‑quality legal advice and representation to Aboriginal clients across criminal matters.
• Advocate in Local, District and Supreme Courts, including bail, hearings, sentences, appeals and trials.
• Support the Women’s Bail Advocacy Program through holistic, trauma‑informed legal advocacy and client support.
• Build strong relationships with community, courts, prosecutors and service providers to strengthen client outcomes.
• Mentor and support junior solicitors and staff, contributing to a collaborative and high‑performing team.
• Drive practice excellence through legal research, professional development, policy input, accurate case management and program reporting.

Your Story & Strengths
You are a skilled and motivated Senior Solicitor who brings strong criminal law expertise and a deep understanding of the cultural, social and systemic issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You combine technical excellence, trauma‑informed advocacy and a genuine commitment to culturally safe, community‑focused justice and better outcomes for Aboriginal women. Key strengths include:

• Hold a current Practising Certificate with a minimum of 4 years’ experience.
• Bring strong criminal law expertise, including advocacy experience in bail, complex hearings, appeals and sentences.
• Demonstrate culturally safe, trauma‑informed communication and an understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal women.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, community and key stakeholders to support holistic outcomes.
• Work collaboratively and provide mentoring and guidance to junior solicitors and staff.
• Demonstrate strong organisational, analytical and legal skills, with the ability to manage a diverse workload autonomously.

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.

Additional information

• Make a difference in court and make an impact in community!
• Juggle advocacy, casework, court appearances, referrals and teamwork.
• $145,088 - $151,235 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!