NSW
Aboriginal Identified – Professional Legal Training Program – Legal Officer Grade I – 0000AOCA
Aboriginal Identified – Professional Legal Training Program 2025
About the Judge Bob Bellear Legal Career Pathways – Professional Legal Training Program
The Professional Legal Training Program (the Program) provides recent Law graduates with the opportunity to complete their formal on-the-job Practical Legal Training (PLT), to be eligible for admission as a solicitor.
The Program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and identify and are accepted as such in the community;
- have completed their university studies to obtain a Law degree (LLB or equivalent) and;
- are eligible to undertake their 15-week Practical Legal Training, to be compliant with the Legal Profession Admission Board PLT requirements.
This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies and may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.
This is an Aboriginal identified recruitment. This means we want to recruit an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person for this role. Identified roles help organisations hire Aboriginal people who bring their cultural knowledge, community experience and expertise to deliver services to Aboriginal communities and increase the cultural competency of the organisation. We are proud to have more Aboriginal solicitors than any legal practice in NSW and our aim is that 11% of all staff will be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
About us
Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. We can help people with most areas criminal law, family law and every day civil law legal issues. We give legal advice, help at court and do family dispute resolution. We can do this over the telephone or at one of our 28 offices.
About you
We are looking for applicants who:
- have a sound academic track record;
- can work in a diverse and challenging work environment;
- are good communicators;
- are committed to offering excellent customer service and are sensitive to the needs of our disadvantaged client groups in a social justice environment;
- are interested in our legal practice areas;
- can demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills;
- able to work in a high-volume work environment as a valued team member; and
- highly motivated and can drive their own self-development.
Please Note: Legal Aid NSW considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
Applicants for this role must satisfy the Aboriginality criteria. Aboriginality is defined by descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted in the community as such.
In the pre-screening questions you will need to provide information on how you satisfy the Aboriginality criteria.
About the role
This role offers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander law graduates the chance to gain legal experience while completing their practical legal training (PLT) requirements in a social justice setting. You’ll work alongside experienced solicitors, assisting in legal work that supports vulnerable communities. You will have a commitment to social justice, strong communication skills and adaptability to new systems.
In this role, you will:
- Prepare legal documents and conduct research.
- Assist with legal advice, casework, outreach, and community education.
- Communicate with clients and key stakeholders.
- Support the legal team to deliver efficient, high-quality services.
- Use case management systems and collaborate with justice agencies.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN LEGAL AID NSW!
We are committed to diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard.
We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities.
We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities. If you need an adjustment to participate in the recruitment process, or you’d like information about what we can do to help you, please contact our team at [email protected].
Other benefits of working with us
- You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities.
- We are an accredited Flex Ready certified employer and are recognised as leaders in the area of flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly — for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life.
The essential requirements for this role
You must:
- be willing to do a Criminal Record Check and/or Working With Children Check
- be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and identify and be accepted as such in the community;
- have completed their university studies to obtain a Law degree (LLB or equivalent) and;
- are eligible to undertake their 15-week Practical Legal Training, to be compliant with the Legal Profession Admission Board PLT requirements.
Note: Prospective applicants in Year 12 intending to enrol in university may apply for a cadetship. However, commencing as a cadet would be subject to proof of actual enrolment.
Legal Aid NSW have a number of roles where it is a statutory obligation for staff to hold a valid Working with Children Check. You will be required to provide your Working with Children Check details prior to starting in any role requiring the check.
How to apply
You MUST submit your application online through iworkfor.nsw.gov.au. If you submit your application late or by email it will NOT be accepted.
Your application must include:
- your resume (no more than 5 pages)
- cover letter (no more than 2 pages). In your cover letter, please address the following target questions:
- 1. Why do you wish to undertake your practical legal training at Legal Aid NSW?
- 2. Explain the skills and attributes you can bring to this role.
When applying on Iworkfor.nsw, candidates will answer pre-screening questions, including their location and practice area preferences, and their PLT start date. While preferences are considered, placements will depend on operational needs.
- Locations: Legal Aid NSW has offices located across NSW. View the full list here, and nominate only those you can travel to.
- Practice Areas: More information on practice areas is available on Legal Aid NSW Professional Legal training Program – Information for Candidates
Make sure your application is complete and you have answered all questions before you submit it.
Do you need help to apply?
It’s important to properly prepare before you apply for a role. Here is some other information to help you:
- The Professional Legal Training Program Information:
- Interested candidates are encouraged to first read Legal Aid NSW Professional Legal Training Program – Information for Candidates to understand the program and ensure eligibility
- Role Description:
- The PLT Placement (Aboriginal Identified) Role Description sets out the responsibilities, focus capabilities, and key accountabilities of the role. It helps you understand what the panel expects in the successful candidate.
- Judge Bob Bellear Legal Pathways Program:
- Learn more about the program by clicking here.
- Contact Information:
- If you have questions about the role, you can contact the Hiring Manager – Alison Szylo on 02 9219 5811 or email: [email protected]. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants can reach out to the Aboriginal Services Branch for a confidential discussion about any questions they may have.
- Further information:
Applying for a Role
Working at Legal Aid NSW
Location
Statewide
Other Locations
Sydney Region-Sydney City
Work Type
Full-time
Number of Positions
2
Total Remuneration Package: Salary $74,050 pa, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading. Pro-rata for the period of the placement if part-time.
Contact Alison Szylo – (02) 9219 5811
Closing Date
10-Nov-2024, 12:59:00 PM
Job Category
Legal and Justice
Organisation
Legal Aid Commission, Office of the
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