• IA requirement for this role is to identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Primary Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to lead the engagement of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) in Closing the Gap, and community partnerships and programs, and maintain significant relationships with government, justice sector and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Why join the ALS team?

At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture.
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities.

As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• Career and professional development opportunities
• Access to personal counselling for you and your family
• Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave
• Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you

About the role

The Principal Solicitor (Closing the Gap) is responsible for leading the participation of the ALS in Closing the Gap. The position holder requires excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including the CEO, Principal Solicitor (Justice Projects, Policy & Practice), direct reports, and other senior leaders and staff contributing to Closing the Gap work. Externally, the role requires the ability to establish and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders in the community and government sectors.

The Principal Solicitor will have responsibilities that include but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage the strategic direction and operations of the Closing the Gap and Community Partnerships and Programs teams, aligning with the ALS's mission, values, and strategic plan.
• Ensure effective representation of the ALS in Closing the Gap partnerships and governance structures.
• Lead the strategic direction of community partnerships work, including justice reinvestment and community-led justice initiatives.
• Collaborate with Principal Solicitors, managers, and staff to align Closing the Gap work with existing priorities and ALS strategic objectives.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships between the ALS and service delivery partners, including government organisations, the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations, JustReinvest NSW, and other Closing the Gap partners.
• Provide support and oversight for ALS external sector development.
• Oversee justice reinvestment and community-led justice initiatives, including developing community goals, 'circuit breakers,' and local justice plans.
• Represent the ALS in relevant working groups, committees, conferences, and public forums, acting as a spokesperson when appropriate.
• Provide high-quality reports to the ALS Executive and leadership support to team members.

About you

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people, combined with respect and support for Aboriginal cultural practices.
• Legal qualifications and a NSW Practicing Certificate with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of criminal, care & protection, and/or family law, family violence prevention, and related issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community-controlled sector and NSW Closing the Gap agreements, governance structures, and processes.
• Proven leadership, interpersonal, influencing, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to ensure Aboriginal voices are platformed and Aboriginal values and expertise are centred in program design and implementation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to meet deadlines, work autonomously, and manage a diverse workload.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting the rights, interests, and aspirations of Aboriginal people.
• Willingness and ability to travel to regional, metropolitan, and interstate locations for work purposes.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in legal representation for Aboriginal clients in criminal law and/or other relevant areas.
• Previous experience working in the Aboriginal community-controlled sector.

Pre-employment requirements:

ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, Right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and National Police History check.

If you have questions about this role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Principal Solicitor - Closing the Gap enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.