Criminal Lawyer Job Position

This prestigious boutique criminal law firm based in CBD is looking for a highly motivated Solicitor-Advocate with minimum of 2 years advocacy to fill a maternity leave position to commence October 2024.

The successful applicant must demonstrate the following key selection criteria: 

• Advocacy: The role will require daily Court appearance work in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court. Travel to suburban and regional Courts will also be required. You must have advocacy experience in these jurisdictions and be willing to appear as required on your own files and those of other solicitors. The successful applicant will be required to advocate strongly and persuasively on behalf of our clients;
• Communication: You will need to communicate effectively with clients who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have diverse and complex needs. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to communicate with prosecutors and other key stakeholders. The role will consist of a standard file load and you will be expected to take instructions, provide advice, maintain client contact, promote the client’s interests in dispute resolution discussions with Victoria Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions and also liaise effectively with Court Coordinators and Registry staff.
• Knowledge of criminal law: This role requires you to be familiar with legislation, practice directions and case law relevant to the role, including the following: Criminal Procedure Act; Evidence Act; Sentencing Act; Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act; Crimes Act; Summary Offences Act, etc. It also requires you to demonstrate familiarity with the processes of the Magistrates’ Court and County Court.
• Teamwork: The office promotes a team environment, and solicitors are encouraged to seek out advice/provide assistance to team members. The role also provides significant autonomy with significant scope to pursue matters and areas of law you are passionate about.

You will be required to run a full case load of both Private and Victoria Legal Aid matters. You will appear in the Children’s, Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts. You will have the opportunity to instruct in trials and run your own indictable file load. The role is based in the CBD however you will regularly appear in suburban and regional courts.

This office operates with 14 staff members in a friendly and supportive team environment. 

Conflict Check

The nature of our work involves dealing with confidential and sensitive information on behalf of our clients. We expect that our employees take that responsibility seriously and will act with a high level of propriety in all aspects of their respective roles. 

We require that potential employees disclose matters which may impact upon their ability to perform their role without undue influence, or which may lead to the impression impropriety or partiality. Examples of relevant matters to disclose include whether a person known to you has been incarcerated or works in law enforcement, the Courts or within another role in Criminal Law. Any disclosure made in accordance with this requirement will be treated with the utmost confidence by our General Manager. 

Remuneration commensurate with experience.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.