Legal Aid Queensland are seeking an experienced lawyer to join the Criminal Law Services. You will represent legally aided clients, support the legal supervision of staff within the division and contribute to changes in policy and submissions relating to law reform.

Job details

This recruitment process will be used to fill permanent and temporary vacancies over the next 12 months in the Serious Crime and General Crime teams.

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

• Legal Representation and Advice: Represent and advise clients on criminal law matters, prepare cases, instruct counsel, and personally appear for accused persons at all stages of proceedings.
• Duty Lawyer Services: Provide duty lawyer services in Magistrates and Children's Courts, attend higher court call-overs and mentions, and deliver legal information and advice.
• Supervision and Training: Assist the Principal Lawyer in supervising legal work, training, and developing the legal skills of Legal Aid Queensland lawyers, statewide staff, and external practitioners in criminal law matters.
• Policy and System Contributions: Advise on and contribute to updates in policies, procedures, and systems; support law reform, legal service delivery initiatives, and operational planning as required.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain networks within the criminal justice system and liaise with key stakeholders to support collaboration and effective communication.
• Team Collaboration: Participate in team planning activities and recommend improvements to work practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

About you

You have knowledge and experience in preparation, representation and advocacy of complex criminal law and related matters.

You have knowledge of the practice and procedure of criminal law, evidence and ethics while being committed to self-development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the criminal law and related law and procedure.

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.

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.

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.

• LAQ Applicant information kit (PDF, 3.13MB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  Position description - PO5 Senior Lawyer (crime) (PDF, 215KB)
  Role Description