Job: 1679685 | Full-Time | Permanent | Coffs Harbour, NSW | $129,490 (Fixed Pay)

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 member of the Criminal Law Practice, you’ll lead the delivery of high-quality, culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Through fearless advocacy, mentoring and collaboration, you’ll strengthen practice excellence and help deliver better outcomes for clients, families and communities. Each day, you will:

- Lead day-to-day practice operations, working closely with the Managing Lawyer to oversee staff, workloads, rostering, matter allocation and office coordination.
- Mentor and support junior solicitors, developing advocacy skills, providing guidance on complex matters and contributing to training and ongoing professional development.
- Deliver high-quality criminal law advocacy and representation, including complex Local Court, Children’s Court and District Court matters, with a strong focus on culturally appropriate client service.
- Build strong relationships across the justice system, working collaboratively with Courts, DPP, Legal Aid, Community Corrections, DCJ and other key stakeholders.
- Support effective practice management and compliance, including EAGP oversight, ethical issues, referrals, complaints, legal developments, policies and qualified standards.




- Contribute to law reform and continuous improvement, representing the ALS at relevant meetings, working groups and forums while identifying opportunities to strengthen practice and outcomes.

Your Story & Strengths

You are a skilled and motivated Intermediate Criminal Law Solicitor who understands and respects the cultural, social and historical context shaping the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You bring strong criminal law expertise, fearless advocacy and a commitment to culturally appropriate representation, community and justice. Key strengths include:

- Hold legal qualifications and a current NSW Practising Certificate, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in criminal law.
- Demonstrate strong criminal law expertise, including in-depth knowledge of legislation, practice and procedure across the District, Local and Children’s Courts.
- Bring strong advocacy skills and a commitment to Aboriginal justice, with the ability to lead complex matters and deliver culturally appropriate legal advice and representation.
- Demonstrate leadership and people skills, with the ability to supervise, mentor and support a multidisciplinary team.
- Communicate with confidence and manage competing priorities, meeting deadlines, working independently and managing a diverse and demanding workload.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and commitment to safe,



ethical and inclusive practice, with a willingness to travel and undertake court work and training across the region.

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 National Police Check and 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 @alsnswact.org.au - 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.

Additional information

- Make a difference that extends beyond the courtroom and into community!
- Oversee daily practice operations, workloads, rostering and matter allocation.
- $129,490 + super + salary packaging & leave loading!

📌 Intermediate Solicitor (Criminal Law Practice) (Coffs Harbour)
🏢 Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Coffs Harbour