Are you an experienced legal practitioner with a passion for justice and a commitment to supporting vulnerable Queenslanders? Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) is seeking a dedicatedﾠPrincipal Lawyer (Appeals)ﾠto lead our Appeals team and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services in criminal law.

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 the Principal Lawyer (Appeals),  you will play a pivotal role in representing clients in criminal law matters, including appeals, and appearing before courts and tribunals such as the Court of Appeal and Children's Courts. You will lead a team of professional and administrative staff, providing guidance, performance management, and coaching to ensure high standards of practice. Additionally, you will support Legal Aid Queensland lawyers and external practitioners in navigating complex criminal law matters, while contributing to policy development, law reform, and legal service delivery initiatives of state and national significance. This role also involves ensuring compliance with governance, risk management, and budgetary requirements to maintain operational excellence.

About you

The ideal candidate for the Principal Lawyer (Appeals) role at Legal Aid Queensland is an experienced legal practitioner with extensive expertise in criminal law, including appeals and quasi-criminal matters under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003. They will have strong leadership skills, proven experience managing legal teams, and a commitment to professional development. Exceptional communication skills are essential, along with the ability to tailor advice to diverse audiences, including clients with complex needs. The candidate must be admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland, hold a current practising certificate, and align with Legal Aid Queensland's vision of delivering quality legal services to financially disadvantaged people.

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.

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.

• PO6 Principal Lawyer (Appeals) Position Description (PDF, 405KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit