Are you a passionate and experienced legal professional ready to make a real impact in the lives of Queenslanders? Legal Aid Queensland is seeking exceptional individuals to join our Public Defender Chambers as Counsel. This is your opportunity to contribute to a fairer justice system while advancing your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.

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 Counsel in the Public Defender Chambers, you will:

• Represent legally-aided clients in a variety of jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court, District Court, Children's Court, and Mental Health Court.
• Appear in high-stakes matters such as sentence appeals, trials, bail applications, and Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 proceedings.
• Travel across Queensland, including regional and remote communities, to ensure access to justice for all.
• Provide expert guidance, mentoring, and feedback to lawyers in case preparation.
• Deliver training to legal professionals and contribute to strategy, policy, and administrative initiatives.

This role is more than just a job – it's a chance to be part of a collegiate team of legal professionals, tackling challenging and meaningful work that makes a tangible difference in people's lives.

About you

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced legal professional with extensive expertise in criminal law, a strong command of evidence and procedure, and a proven ability to represent clients in complex legal matters. The ideal candidate will be admitted (or eligible for immediate admission) as a legal practitioner in Queensland and hold a current practising certificate as a barrister. You will possess exceptional advocacy skills, demonstrate leadership qualities, and have the ability to mentor and inspire others. A commitment to social justice and fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace is essential.

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.

Documents

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

• Position description - PO6 - Counsel (PDF, 260KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Applicant information kit (PDF, 3.13MB)
  Information Package for Applicants