Senior Lawyer

Role overview

Legal Aid Queensland is looking for an experienced solicitor to join its Criminal Law Services division. The role involves acting for legally aided clients, supporting the supervision of legal staff, and helping shape policy changes and law reform submissions.

This selection process may be used to appoint people into both permanent and temporary roles across the Serious Crime and General Crime teams over the next 12 months.

About the organisation

Legal Aid Queensland aims to lead a justice system that is fair and accessible, helping people understand and protect their legal rights. The organisation provides high-quality, cost-effective legal services to people in Queensland who are financially disadvantaged.

The workplace values diversity, flexibility, learning, and continuous improvement. The work is demanding but rewarding, and employee wellbeing and work-life balance are treated as important priorities.

Key duties

• Advise and represent clients in criminal law matters, build cases, brief counsel, and appear personally for accused persons at all stages of proceedings.
• Deliver duty lawyer services in Magistrates and Children's Courts, attend call-overs and mentions in higher courts, and provide legal information and advice.
• Support the Principal Lawyer by supervising legal work and helping train and develop the legal capabilities of lawyers, statewide staff, and external criminal law practitioners.
• Contribute to policy updates, procedural changes, systems improvement, law reform work, service delivery initiatives, and operational planning.
• Build and maintain professional relationships across the criminal justice system and work with key stakeholders to support communication and collaboration.
• Take part in team planning and suggest better ways of working to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

What you should bring

You will have experience handling complex criminal law and related matters, including preparation, advocacy, representation, and courtroom work.

You should understand criminal law practice and procedure, evidence, and ethics, and be committed to ongoing learning and keeping your legal knowledge current.

You will communicate clearly and persuasively, negotiate effectively, and work well with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients with complex needs, using a trauma-informed approach.

Working arrangements and benefits

• Full-time hours are 36.25 per week.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Employer superannuation contributions are 12.75%.
• Flexible working hours are offered.
• Study leave may be granted for approved work-related courses.

Additional information

This recruitment may be used to fill both permanent and temporary vacancies within the next 12 months in the Serious Crime and General Crime teams.