• Full-time Fixed Term Contract - parental leave cover (12 month contract)
• Salary commensurate with experience $96,198 to $129,692 per annum plus superannuation (Restricted Practice $87,130 to $92,180)
• Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging
• 5 weeks annual leave and 2 weeks paid leave for end of year closure
• Supportive work environment

About the role

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced lawyer or restricted practitioner to join the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) team in the Civil Law and Human Rights Unit based in Perth, on a full-time fixed term contract 12-month parental leave cover.

The Civil Law and Human Rights Unit focuses on human rights and state government accountability matters, including coronial inquests, civil litigation and complaints in relation to police, prisons and other government agencies, and racial discrimination complaints. Our core objectives are to empower the Aboriginal community by providing first class legal advice and representation and to work with our clients to achieve systemic law and policy reform.

Reporting to the Senior Managing Lawyers of the Unit, the lawyer will:

• Provide legal advice and representation in relation to the core practice areas for the unit, including tortious claims and administrative law proceedings against state government agencies, coronial matters, and racial discrimination matters;
• Provide initial legal advice and referrals on a broad range of civil law matters through the Unit’s Duty Lawyer service;
• Undertake outreach work, including attending ALSWA’s other regional offices and courts as required;
• Research and write policy submissions, letters, and briefing papers in relation to the work of the Unit.

This position requires a candidate who has is highly organised and self-motivated. Experience in civil litigation and a demonstrated ability to appear as counsel in relevant courts and tribunals is desirable.

A sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people is required. Part time applicants will also be considered.

Selection criteria

If you are passionate about striving for justice for disadvantaged Aboriginal people and want to make a difference, ALSWA is the place for you. The work is both challenging and rewarding.

To be considered for this role, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Sound knowledge of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people;
• Demonstrated knowledge of substantive law (in particular torts law and administrative law) and the rules of evidence and civil practice and procedure;
• Demonstrated capacity to appear as counsel in court proceedings is desirable;
• Demonstrated high level organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team comprising legal and non-legal staff with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others;
• Highly developed communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) with experience in conflict resolution;
• Committed to the principles of social justice
• Highly developed conceptual and analytical skills;
• Ability to travel when required;
• You must be able to hold a current WA Practice Certificate

About our benefits

We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. We also provide five weeks of annual leave per year with leave loading, and access to additional paid leave for health and well-being.

About us

ALSWA is a not for profit independent government funded organisation working to provide high quality representation and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA.

Our aim is to deliver a quality legal service and education which contributes to participation, empowerment and recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout WA.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity in further detail, please contact Human Resources on (08) 9265 6666. All applications are treated with confidence.