• Fixed Term 18 month contract with possibility of further extension

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Opportunity to work closely with ALS, Public Defenders, academics and members of the private legal profession. Role is geared towards improving social justice and equality within the criminal justice system. 

ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The ALS aims to provide culturally appropriate information and referral, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children in NSW and ACT.

The ALS is committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal people and the Aboriginal community. The ALS remains committed to being community focussed; being fearless in our advocacy; accountable and ethical and aiming to make a difference to create better futures; while also acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal traditional values and cultural practices.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Planning and implementing the objectives of the BBB committee by creating a program to scale, including the further research required and the education program for the profession.
• Research, writing and producing an additional 3 chapters for the Bugmy Bar Book, focussed on forms of disadvantage not yet well understood, or effectively considered, by lawyers and judges in criminal court in Australia.
• Developing and providing legal education to the profession about the Bugmy Bar Book and its resources.
• Demonstrating continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities, Directors and staff. Continuing to learn about the customs and history of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Traveling to regional and interstate locations for work purposes as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people combined with continuing respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices in dealing with clients, their families, communities and staff.
• Proven capacity to identify and understand legal issues facing socially and economically disadvantaged Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
• 3-5+ years experience in criminal law and an NSW Practising Certificate (or be able to obtain one immediately).
• Up-to-date knowledge of the Criminal Law, including practice and procedure.
• Strong research skills.
• Interest in collaborating and working with a range of organisations and bringing people together to work effectively.
• A willingness and ability to travel to ALS’ various offices (regional and metropolitan) for supporting practitioners and delivery of education.
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

MANDATORY SELECTION CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED (3 items):

1. A letter to the BBB committee, outlining two things:
   • A description of your criminal law experience. Please include reference to legal practice, research, policy or projects you have been involved in.
   • What qualities and skills you have that will suit this role.

This letter is to be no more than 2 pages.

2. A one page document which sets out the value of the BBB and 3 ways that you would implement to increase the use and understanding of the BBB resources. This is to be no more than 1 page.

3. An example of your written work. 

Only candidates who have addressed the selection criteria (3 items noted above) and  completed an application package will be considered.