Title of Position: Criminal Law Clerk

Appointment Fraction: / Workgroup/Section:Adelaide, Ceduna, Pt Augusta
Position Analysis:
  • Originated by:
  • Classified by:
Occupant:Vacant
Version No:1
Version Date:1 June 2017
Job and Person Specification Approval
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ALRM Board or Chief Executive or Delegate

The ALRM is committed to advancing the rights of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples and is seeking committed and culturally competent staff to achieve its objectives.

ALRM professional standards and work practices are to deliver high quality and culturally competent services to Aboriginal people.

Job Specification

1Purpose
The role of the Criminal Law Clerk is to assist thesolicitors of the Criminal sectionin either AdelaideCeduna or Pt Augustaoffice’s.
In particular the Law Clerk transcribes dictations, prepares legal documents, corresponds with clients, courts, prisons and prosecution, organises files for Youth, Magistrates and District Court matters, conducts legal research and investigation, takes personal instructions from clients and appears in court for adjournments, simple guilty pleas and simple bail applications.The Criminal Law Clerk is responsible to the Criminal Practice Director.
2Reporting/Working Relationships
Internal: / The Law Clerk works collaboratively with all employees in the office including Legal Secretaries, Aboriginal Field officers, solicitors and support staff, and reports to the Criminal Practice Manager.
External: / Clientfamilies,police, prison staff, court staff, other legal service providers.
3Special Conditions
Out of Hours Work: / Out of hours work may be required.
Travel: / Some interstate travel may be required which may necessitate overnight absences.
Location: / Appointment will be at the Adelaide Office.
Other Conditions: / The incumbent is required to satisfactorily complete a National Criminal History Check;A flexible approach to working hours is required;The organisation is a smoke free working environment; working hours are from 9.00am to 5:00pm
Desirable / A current South Australian Driver’s License and DCSI check; Undertaking or have completed a South Australian Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP)
4ALRM Core Objectives
The central object of the Movement is to assist Aboriginal persons (especially those Aboriginal persons who are detained in custody or imprisoned) to relieve their poverty, the consequences of their dispossession and social misfortune and to assist further in removing destitution and helplessness amongst Aboriginal people through the use of the legal system of the State of South Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia.
5Key Responsibilities
  • Role model politeness and professional communication when dealing with clients and the general public.
  • To work as part of a team including field officers, legal staff and support staff.
  • To behave in a manner that ensures the provision of a culturally competent and responsive service.
  • Dictaphonetyping.
  • Opening and closing files.
  • Entering data into centraldata base.
  • Preparing and lodging legal documents.
  • Corresponding with clients, courts, prisons and prosecution.
  • Organising files for Youth, Magistrates and District Court matters.
  • Conducting legal research and investigation.
  • Taking personal instructions from clients.
  • Appearingin court for adjournments, simple guilty pleas and simple bail applications.
  • Attending to incoming telephone calls and front counter enquiries.
  • Assist the Criminal Practice Director in preparation of documents for Meetings and other assigned tasks.
  • Filing, faxing, emailing and scanning.
  • Performing other duties commensurate with the functions of ALRM Inc and this classification, as may be required.
  • Encouraging and sustaining a cooperative, “can do” work environment.
  • Supporting and working with people with diverse backgrounds, value systems, cultural differences and special needs.

6 Essential Criteria
  • Capacity to work effectively in an Aboriginal organisation demonstrating respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures.
  • Commitment to delivering culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
  • Knowledge of South Australian Criminal Justice System.
  • Experience working in a criminal law firm.
  • Completed degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Ability to manage and balance priorities in an environment of high workloads.
  • Demonstrated commitment to efficient and effective service delivery and a client-centred focus.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Excellentwritten and communication skills.
  • Excellent typing skills, minimum typing speed 80 wpm.
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and share decision making.
  • Ability to demonstrate respect, approachability, consistency and model exemplary behaviors.

7 Desirable Criteria
  • Undertaking or have completed a South Australian Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP)
  • Knowledge of Equal Opportunity, Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare standards.
  • An understanding of the objectives of ALRM Inc., its services and clients.
  • Ability in the practical use of the office equipments and office systems.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the organisation’s Core Values (Code of Ethics) and the Employee Conduct Policy.

8Certified Correct
Approved: Chief Executive Officer / //
Occupant: / //

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