Are you seeking a rewarding career opportunity with the state's largest criminal defence practice, home to some of Queensland’s leading criminal defence lawyers? This is an outstanding opportunity for a legal professional to take on a position delivering high-quality criminal law services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Legal Aid Queensland represents children and adults charged with criminal offences before all courts in Queensland. From Magistrates court duty lawyer services to complex trials and appeal cases in the higher courts, we protect people’s rights and play an integral role in the state’s criminal justice system.

Job details

About Legal Aid Queensland

Legal Aid Queensland's vision is to be a leader in a fair justice system where people are able to understand and protect their legal rights. Our purpose is to provide quality, cost effective legal services to financially disadvantaged people throughout Queensland.

We embrace diversity, flexibility, learning and continuous improvement to deliver quality legal services. The work is challenging but rewarding - and that is why staff wellbeing and work/life balance are a top priority for us.

About the Role

As a lawyer, you will prepare cases and advocate on behalf of clients, and provide advice about criminal law matters. This role offers the chance for you to expand on your experience by undertaking interesting and varied casework in a wide range of criminal law and related matters. The role also gives you the opportunity to contribute to improvements to the legal aid and criminal justice systems. We support our staff through on-going professional development opportunities and mentoring, and a balanced approach to work.

In this role you will:

• Undertake criminal law casework including preparing matters and instructing counsel in all jurisdictions, and personally appearing for legally aided clients at bail applications, pleas, summary trials and committal hearings in the Magistrates and Children's Courts.
• Provide legal information and advice to clients and members of the public in relation to various areas of law.
• Provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's courts, including for clients in custody, and appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
• Liaise with criminal justice system stakeholders, other government agencies and community organisations in relation to cases and service delivery issues.
• Ensure all work complies with quality and case management standards and meet all other professional and corporate responsibilities.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with team members, contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices where possible.
• Support Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives as required, and participate in the development of team plans and work practices.

About You

The experience we are looking for:

• You have previously demonstrated your ability to prepare and appear in all aspects of criminal law cases, in various jurisdictions, in the role of lawyer and lawyer advocate.
• You have a working knowledge of criminal law practice and procedure, legislation relating to the criminal justice system, the laws of evidence and ethical standards.
• You can demonstrate your ability to conduct quasi criminal law matters, such as bail applications, diversionary courts and Mental Health Court referrals.
• You are responsive to guidance and performance feedback, committed to self-development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the criminal law and procedure.
• You can communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner in both oral and written formats to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, as well as clients with complex needs.
• You can build and sustain relationships with team members, contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.

Other desirable attributes:

• You demonstrate a growth mindset with a strong willingness to learn, adapt and respond constructively to feedback.
• You communicate clearly and effectively within a team, fostering collaboration and contributing to a positive team environment.
• You demonstrate flexibility and agility in responding to shifting priorities and organisational needs.

What We Offer

As a member of the Legal Aid Queensland Community, you will receive:

• 25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• 75% employer super contributions
• Flexible working hours
• Generous salary packaging available
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.

Find out more about the role and how to apply in the attached role description.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity. Find out more about working in Legal Aid Queensland here: https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/About-us/Careers

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  PO3 Lawyer - Crime Position Description (Southport) (PDF, 316KB)
  Role Description