Managing Solicitor (Criminal Law Practice)

Job: 1666504 | Full-Time | Permanent | Kempsey, NSW | $157,225 - $162,152 (Based on Experience)
 
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established in a critical act of self-determination over 50 years ago as part of the Aboriginal rights protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT, and fight for social justice and equity for our communities.

Your Impact
As a valued leader within the Criminal Law Practice, you’ll help deliver fearless, culturally appropriate legal representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Lead with purpose, drive excellence and empower your team to make a lasting difference for community. Each day, you will:

• Lead and supervise the Criminal Law team, managing workloads, resources, performance, professional development and day-to-day operations.
• Support the Deputy Principal Solicitor in delivering high-quality, culturally appropriate legal services and implementing practice strategies, policies and procedures.
• Manage complex criminal matters and provide high-level legal representation across Local, Children’s, District and Supreme Courts, including briefing and instructing Counsel.
• Coordinate court schedules, diaries and legal workloads to ensure efficient, responsive and effective legal practice.
• Build strong relationships with Aboriginal communities, clients and key stakeholders through community engagement, education, advocacy and partnership.
• Uphold professional, ethical and legislative standards while contributing to continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with ALS policies and legal obligations.

 
Your Story & Strengths
You are a skilled and motivated Managing Solicitor who understands and respects the cultural, social and historical context that shapes the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You bring strong criminal law expertise, fearless advocacy and a commitment to leading teams, strengthening practice and delivering culturally appropriate justice for community. Key strengths include:

• A current NSW Practising Certificate with up to 4 years’ demonstrated practice experience in criminal law.
• Strong understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and cultural practices.
• Strong knowledge of criminal law, legislation, case law and court procedures, with the ability to conduct complex matters and brief Counsel.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, including supervising teams, allocating workloads and supporting staff development and performance.
• Excellent communication, consultation, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes.
• Highly organised, self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities while upholding professional, ethical, WHS and diversity standards.

Our Journey Together
At ALS, you’ll find a career that truly matters, one where your work has purpose and impact every day. We are proud to offer a supportive and rewarding environment with a range of generous benefits, including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.
• Career and professional development opportunities.

Caring for Community & You
To protect the communities we serve, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid Working with Children (NSW) check for this role.
  
ALS is committed to equal opportunity and cultural safety in recruitment for all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support throughout the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Team at [email protected] - we will work with you to ensure an accessible and supportive experience.
  
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.