About us

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) established the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service in 2015 (a semi-autonomous operation for Tasmania) to deliver culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Tasmania. We have offices in Hobart and Launceston and deliver legal services State-wide to all courts.

VALS was established as a community-controlled organisation in 1973 to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. The organisation has a long and proud history of providing legal and service support for Aboriginal Victorians who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing negative contact with the justice system and advocating locally, nationally and internationally for the rights of Aboriginal people.

We strive to:

• Promote social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• Promote the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to empowerment, identity and culture;
• Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy their rights, are aware of their responsibilities under the law and have access to appropriate advice, assistance and representation;
• Reduce the disproportionate involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system; and
• Promote the review of legislation and other practices which discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The organisation has grown over the years (with further expansion options being pursued) and now offers criminal, family and civil law services, client services support, community legal education and a range of community justice support programs in both Victoria and Tasmania.

About the position

Overview

Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Tasmania.

Key Performance Indicators, Duties & Responsibility

1.1. Appear as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates’ Court and Supreme Court in order to represent TACLS clients.

1.2. Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters, with an opportunity to progress to complex summary and serious indictable matters, for members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

1.5. Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other TACLS projects as required.

1.7. Contribute to the collaborative relationship between the Legal Aid Commissions and other community and community legal organisations with whom TACLS interacts.

1.8. Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

1.9. You will be required to travel across Tasmania to deliver services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours.

Key Selection Criteria

1.1 Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Tasmania.

1.2 Capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in criminal law matters. Experience in the Supreme Court will be favourably considered

1.3 Substantial knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction.

1.5 Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

1.6 A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Tasmania.

1.7 The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.

1.8 A knowledge of the principles and values of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service.

1.9 Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software (particularly MS Word, Excel, E-mail) to a legal practice and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of TACLS client data base.

Key Capabilities

1.1 Demonstrates emotional intelligence and shows respect to colleagues and other stakeholders always

1.2 Supports and contributes to a cohesive team and organisation culture

1.3 Understands and complies with professional obligations as a lawyer

1.4 Meets client and stakeholder expectations in a timely, reliable and consistent manner - ensures that others meet expectations

1.5 Possesses a strong grasp of relevant legal issues but consults with internal or external experts where appropriate

1.6 Contributes to knowledge and learning resources for the organisation

Mandatory Requirements

On offer of this position, you must provide:

• a copy of your current Working with Vulnerable People Card
• a copy of your current Tasmanian Driver’s License
• you will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check
• proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e. a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate or Immigration VISA documentation
• a copy of your current Practising Certificate