Junior Solicitor, Care

• Advocate for and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
• Provide expert legal support in Care & Protection/Family Law
• $84,673 - $88,050 + super + salary packaging & leave loading

Job: | Full-Time | Permanent | Newcastle, NSW

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 key member of our high-performing Care & Protection/Family Law Practice, you will provide culturally appropriate legal advice and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in Care, Protection, and Family Law matters. You will work independently while collaborating with senior staff and engaging with clients and stakeholders. Each day, you will:

• Deliver high-quality legal services in Care & Protection, Family Law, and Family Violence matters, including legal advice, casework, representation, referrals, early intervention, and court or alternative dispute resolution assistance.
• Ensure compliance with ALS policies, legislation, practice standards, and ethical obligations while maintaining accurate records and data in ALS systems.
• Support community engagement by conducting outreach clinics, legal education sessions, and information programs for clients and communities.
• Contribute to organisational development through participation in law reform, policy reviews, and improvement of ALS procedures and guidelines.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment, demonstrating commitment to ALS values, EEO, WHS, and the Code of Conduct.
• Maintain professional competence by staying up to date with legal developments, identifying training needs, and upholding practising certificate requirements.

Your Story & Strengths

You are a skilled and motivated solicitor with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, providing culturally appropriate legal advice and representation. Key strengths include:

• Holds or is eligible for an NSW Practising Certificate, with advocacy experience and the ability to appear before courts and tribunals.
• Has knowledge of Care & Protection, Family, or Family Violence law and is willing to develop expertise across related practice areas.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and written communication skills to deliver quality legal services, prepare documents, and support clients experiencing trauma or distress.
• Shows cultural awareness and respect for the social and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ensuring culturally safe service delivery.
• Possesses sound research, analytical, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, holds a valid NSW Driver's Licence, and is willing to travel for outreach and court-related work.

Walk With Us

At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer our staff 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

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP.

At ALS, 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) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role.

We are focused to providing equal opportunities to all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support with your application including throughout the recruitment process, please let us know by reaching out to our Talent Team