• Salary: SES2(H) - $219,429 to $237,407 total fixed remuneration — plus leave, up to 12.75% superannuation & salary packaging benefits
• Status: Position is on contract for a period of up to five (5) years
• Vacancy number: LAQ155/22

The Public Defender role offers an outstanding opportunity for an experienced legal professional to take on a leadership position that is recognised and respected not only within Legal Aid Queensland, but the broader legal profession in Queensland.

As Public Defender, you will lead the Public Defender Chambers, a collegiate team of legal professionals. You will represent legally-aided clients in the High Court of Australia, Court of Appeal, the Mental Health Court and before all other court jurisdictions, with a focus on appeals and serious crime. You will be dealing with matters that are challenging, complex and high-profile. You will also have the opportunity to work on high-level law and policy reform submissions.

LAQ’s Public Defender Chambers is made up of our in-house barristers providing efficient, effective and high-quality specialist legal advocacy services. The division:

• carries out complex trials and sentences in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts.
• appears in Mental Health Court sittings.
• appears in the Supreme Court’s civil jurisdiction for respondents in applications brought under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003.
• provides advice and representation in family and civil law matters.
• models the values of respect, quality and accountability. 
• maintains a high standard of practice through governance and risk management.

Our Townsville and Brisbane-based barristers also appear in regional courts, including circuit courts in remote areas such as Mount Isa and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. For more details and an application package, visit www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au. If you experience any technical difficulties when accessing this website please contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) All calls relating to the status of your application once the job has closed should be directed to the contact officer on the role description.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

Join our team. Get a career that matters!