Following internal promotion, we are seeking an experienced Barrister to join the Public Defender Chambers in Brisbane.
About Legal Aid Queensland
Legal Aid Queensland's (LAQ) vision is to be a leader in a fair justice system where people are able to understand and protect their legal rights. Our purpose is to provide quality, cost effective legal services to financially disadvantaged people throughout Queensland.
About our team
LAQ's Public Defender Chambers provides efficient, effective and high-quality specialist advocacy services. The barristers appear on:
1. criminal law trials and sentences in the Supreme and District courts, including in regional and remote circuit courts throughout Queensland;
2. committal hearings in the Magistrates Court;
3. appeals in the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia;
4. hearings in the Mental Health Court;
5. hearings in the Supreme Court's civil jurisdiction for respondents in applications brought under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003;
6. inquests in the Coroners Court of Queensland;
As counsel, you will be a member of a collegiate team of barristers. You will represent legally aided clients in a variety of jurisdictions, with a focus on trials, sentences and dangerous prisoner applications. You will be dealing with matters that are challenging and complex.
Our barristers also provide advice and representation in approved family and civil law matters.
What you will do
As a barrister working from our Brisbane office, you will represent legally-aided clients before all superior and inferior courts, with a focus on superior court trials and sentences, appeals to the Court of Appeal, Mental Health Court hearings, and Dangerous Prisoner applications. You will be dealing with matters that are challenging, complex and sometimes high-profile.
What you will bring to the role
7. Experience in the conduct of criminal law matters and related areas of law, with experience as an effective advocate in superior courts.
8. A detailed knowledge of the practice and procedure of criminal law, evidence and ethics.
9. An ability to guide lawyers and preferred suppliers in case preparation.
10. The ability to present written material in a clear, concise and persuasive manner.
11. The ability to present oral submissions in a logical, articulate and persuasive manner.
This role will require some travel, and the successful candidate will be expected to undertake a number of circuits throughout Queensland each year.
Mandatory Requirements
12. Admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a barrister in Queensland; and
13. Eligible for a current practicing certificate and entry in the High Court Register of Practitioners.
To apply, please provide
14. a cover letter that addresses the core capabilities in the About You section (no more than 2 pages); and
15. your resume.
If this opportunity sounds right for you, see the full position description or reach out to Charlotte Smith on 07 3917 0428 for a confidential discussion.