Do you have a passion for criminal law and want to make a meaningful impact? Join our team as a Lawyer specialising in Youth Legal Aid. Legal Aid Queensland is dedicated to fostering a fair justice system, ensuring financially disadvantaged individuals understand and protect their legal rights. Our Criminal Law Practice plays a critical role across Queensland, from representing vulnerable youth to advocating in complex trials and appeals.

Job details

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated lawyer to join our Youth team. In this role, you will represent clients in criminal law matters, including preparing cases and appearing for legally aided clients in bail applications, pleas, summary trials, and committal hearings in the Magistrates and Children's Courts. You will also provide duty lawyer services in these courts, including for clients in custody, and offer legal information and advice to clients and the public. Additionally, you will contribute to policy, procedure, law reform, and legal service delivery initiatives, maintain networks with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with quality and case management standards.

 The ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have knowledge and experience in criminal law preparation, representation, and advocacy.
• Be familiar with the practice and procedure of relevant areas of law and ethical standards.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients with complex needs, using trauma-informed principles.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Mandatory Requirements

• Admission or eligibility for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland.
• Eligibility for a current practising certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.

Additional Information

• This role may expose you to traumatic material or events. Support and resources are available to assist staff in managing these challenges.
• A criminal history check and serious disciplinary history check will be conducted for the recommended applicant(s).
• Applicants must disclose any conflicts of interest and any employment as a lobbyist in the preceding two years.

Benefits

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

How to Apply

Submit your application online via SmartJobs, including:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing how you meet the success criteria (knowledge, skills, and experience) in line with the key responsibilities.
• Your resume/CV.

Please review the attached position description for further information about the role.

Further information

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.

• Position description - PO3 Lawyer (crime) (PDF, 168KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit