As a lawyer, you will prepare cases and advocate on behalf of clients and provide advice about criminal law and quasi criminal law matters. This role offers the chance for you to expand on your experience by undertaking interesting and varied casework in a wide range of criminal law and related matters. The role provides you the opportunity to contribute to improvements to the legal aid and criminal justice systems.

Job details

Key Details:

• There are 2 Temporary Full time positions available.
• 1 x Position will specialise in Youth Justice matters and be from date of appointment till 30 June 2026 with the possibility of extension.
• 1 x Position will be General Crime from November 2025 for 12 months with the possibility of extension.
• Reimbursement or payment of relocation costs may be considered on appointment of successful applicant in accordance with the Domestic Travelling and Relieving Expenses Directive 13/23.

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

• Represent clients, including preparing matters, instructing counsel and personally appearing for accused persons in all general criminal law matters, particularly in the Magistrates Court but also District Court sentences.
• 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 and guide team members and other Legal Aid Queensland staff with enquiries related to a specific area of law.
• Deliver outcomes through self-management and with supervision and guidance from senior legal practitioners as required.
• Collaborate on submissions which support Legal Aid Queensland's contributions to policy, procedure, law reform and legal service delivery initiatives.
• Help initiate and maintain networks with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to team planning and suggest improvements to work practices.

About You:

• You have knowledge and experience independently preparing, representing and advocating in criminal law and related matters.
• You have knowledge of the practice and procedure of the relevant areas of law and ethical standards.
• You communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner and 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 positive relationships.
• Results- You are accountable for providing quality services and pursue continuous improvement in your work and outcomes.
• Accountability- You are responsive to guidance and performance feedback and seek opportunities for development.
• Vision- You demonstrate integrity in decision making and use judgement to escalate issues when required

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.

• PO4 Criminal Lawyer Cairns Position Description (PDF, 145KB)
  Role Description
  
  LAQ Information Kit for Applicants (PDF, 448KB)
  Application Kit
  
  LAQ_00058 Employee Benefits(2) (PDF, 277KB)
  Application Kit