Job details

Key Details:

• There is one permanent full time position in our Southport Office.
• This process will be used to fill vacancies in our other regional offices – please indicate your office preference/s in the questionnaire when applying.

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

• Advise on and argue appeals in the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
• Appear as counsel in:
  • Complex, sensitive or difficult trials and sentences in the Supreme and District Court (experience with fraud matters would be valued); 
  • Mental Health Court proceedings;
  • Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 proceedings;
  • Appeals to the District Court;
  • Committals and summary trials;  
  • approved family law and civil litigation;
  • As junior counsel on any matter in each above jurisdiction.
• Travel to and appear in Supreme and District court circuits throughout Queensland, including in remote communities, contributing to efficient listing and resolution of matters. 
• Guide lawyers in case preparation, within case management standards, by, inter alia providing advice, feedback and mentoring.
• Provide legal advice to the Public Defender and LAQ's criminal practice.
• Deliver training and mentoring to lawyers and other professionals.
• Advise on strategy, policy and administrative issues.   
• Provide advice to LAQ Grants officers in relation to merit assessments for grants of aid.  
• Liaise with the courts and other stakeholders in matters relevant to the administration of justice.
• Help the Public Defender to supervise legal work, train, guide and develop the legal skills of staff within the Chambers.

About You:

• You are a highly competent advocate with appeal and trial experience across a broad range of matters, possess an instinctive command and understanding of evidence and procedure, and a demonstrated ability to optimally represent accused persons.
• You effectively communicate with all persons, even when under significant pressure. You persuasively advocate and logically and concisely argue.
• You meaningfully contribute to strategies and policies affecting the criminal justice system. 

What we offer you

• Generous salary packaging
• 36.25 hrs per week (full time hours)
• 12.75% employer super contributions
• 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.

Documents

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

• SO Assistant Public Defender Southport & Regions Position Description (PDF, 263KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ_00349 Applicant information kit FA (PDF, 3.13MB)
  Application Kit