As a Senior Lawyer within Legal Aid Queensland’s General Crime and Serious Crime teams, you will play a crucial role in representing clients involved in complex and high-profile criminal law matters, providing legal representation at all stages of proceedings, including appearances before the Court of Appeal, Mental Health Court, and other critical jurisdictions. In addition to managing diverse and challenging case files—such as Dangerous Prisoner (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 matters, bail applications, and mental health referrals—you will assist the Principal Lawyer in supervising, training, and mentoring legal staff to maintain a high standard of practice. This role also offers the opportunity to influence the criminal justice system by contributing to policy development, procedural improvements, and law reform initiatives, making it an impactful and professionally rewarding position.

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 Senior Lawyer, you will:

• Represent clients in complex and high-profile criminal law matters at all stages of proceedings, including Court of Appeal, Mental Health Court, coronial inquests, and more.
• Supervise and guide legal staff while directly contributing to professional development initiatives.
• Assist in shaping policy, procedures, and law reform to enhance legal aid and criminal justice services.
• Manage diverse case files, including Dangerous Prisoner (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 matters, bail applications, and mental health referrals.

About You

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced legal practitioner with strong advocacy skills and expertise in managing complex criminal law matters, including Dangerous Prisoner (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 cases, bail applications, and mental health referrals. They are effective communicators, skilled in mentoring staff and tailoring their approach to diverse audiences, including clients with complex needs. The candidate is committed to ongoing professional development, contributing to policy improvements, and must be admitted (or eligible for admission) as a legal practitioner in Queensland with a current practising certificate.

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

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

• A 36.25 hour working week (full time hours)
• Generous salary packaging
• Employer super contributions of 12.75%
• Flexible working hours
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.

Find out more about working in Legal Aid Queensland here: https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/About-us/Careers

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.

Documents

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

• PO5 Senior Criminal (General Crime Serious Crime) Lawyer Position Description (PDF, 406KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit