Do you have a passion for criminal law and want to make a meaningful impact? Join our team as a Senior Lawyer specialising in Youth Justice Services. 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

About the role

As a Senior Lawyer in the Youth Team, you will provide expert legal representation and advocacy for legally aided clients, ranging from Magistrates and Children's Court matters to higher court appearances. You will assist in preparing and presenting cases, instructing counsel, and supervising legal work. Additionally, you will play a critical part in mentoring and developing staff, engaging key stakeholders, and contributing to policy, procedure, and legal service improvements within Queensland's justice system. This critical role requires a trauma-informed approach to working with clients and a commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.

The ideal candidate

At Legal Aid Queensland, we value social justice, quality, respect, accountability, and cost-effectiveness. To excel as a Senior Lawyer, you will bring:

• Expertise in criminal law, including court procedures, evidence, and ethical advocacy.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to handle complex clients with empathy and professionalism.
• Proficiency in mentoring and team leadership with a vision for continuous learning and development.
• Commitment to leveraging governance and risk management to deliver high standards of practice.

Mandatory requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must:

• Hold or be eligible for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland (current practising certificate required).
• Be listed in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
• This role is not suitable for early-career lawyers.
• Candidates must disclose conflicts of interest and undergo criminal and disciplinary history checks

Find out more about the role and how to apply in the attached role description.

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 today through Smartjobs! Make sure to include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing how you meet the Success criteria (Knowledge, skills, and experience).
• Your detailed resume/CV.

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 - PO5 Senior Lawyer (crime) (PDF, 168KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Employee Benefits (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit