As a lawyer, you will represent legally aided clients and instruct counsel in complex and high profile criminal law and quasi criminal law matters, while assisting the principal lawyer to supervise the legal work of, train and guide staff within Criminal Law Services. The role also gives you the opportunity to contribute to improvements to the legal aid and criminal justice systems.

Job details

Key Details:

• Position is from date of appointment till 12 October 2026 with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the following:

• Represent clients, including providing advice, preparing matters, instructing counsel and personally appearing for accused persons in all general criminal law and related matters, at all stages of proceedings.
• Provide duty lawyer services in the Magistrates and Children's Courts and appear on higher court call-overs and mentions.
• Provide legal information and advice to clients and members of the public.
• Help the Principal Lawyer to supervise legal work, train, guide and develop the legal skills of staff within Criminal Law Services, Legal Aid Queensland lawyers statewide and external legal practitioners, regarding criminal law and related matters.
• Provide advice on and contribute to changes in policies, procedures and systems, and undertake operational reporting requirements, as required.
• Develop and provide continuing professional development to Legal Aid Queensland staff and preferred suppliers and contribute to community legal education of external stakeholders.
• Contribute to submissions and support the Principal Lawyer and directorate to lead Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives and contribute to operational planning.
• Help in initiating and maintaining networks with relevant bodies in the criminal justice system and liaise with key criminal justice system stakeholders.

Success Criteria:

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• You have knowledge and experience in preparation, representation and advocacy of complex criminal law and related matters.
• You have knowledge of and comply with the practice and procedure of criminal law, evidence and ethics.
• You communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner, offer convincing rationale, negotiate persuasively and have the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders including clients with complex needs using the principles of trauma informed practice.

Other Competencies

Legal Aid Queensland applies the Leadership competencies for Queensland. We recognise that leadership is a part of every role regardless of classification level or management responsibilities. This role is mapped to the “Team Leader” profile. The competencies most relevant to this role are:

• Results- You build and sustain relationships to achieve team goals.
• Results- You support learning by providing coaching, constructive feedback and opportunities for development.
• Vision- You support social justice and demonstrate critical thinking.
• Vision- You demonstrate a growth mindset and build confidence within challenging environments.

What we offer you

• 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• Generous salary packaging
• 12.75% employer super contributions
• Flexible working hours
• Study leave for approved work-related courses.
• Locality Allowance

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.

• PO5 Senior Criminal Lawyer Townsville Position Description (PDF, 173KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ_00058 Employee Benefits(2) (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit