Criminal Lawyer - Bunbury

• Fixed term contract (until 8 October 2027 - Parental leave cover)

• Salary commensurate with experience $96,198 to $129,692 pa (restricted practice lawyer range is $87,130 to $92,180) plus superannuation

• Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging

• Generous leave provisions of 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading

• 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure

• Relocation Assistance and biannual airfares (if eligible)

About the role

We have an excellent opportunity for a criminal lawyer to join the Bunbury office of the Aboriginal Legal Service of the Western Australia Limited (ALSWA).  

This position requires a person with a demonstrated ability to appear as an advocate in criminal courts who is passionate about providing high-quality legal assistance to Aboriginal people.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people is required.

Your responsibilities will include appearing as counsel on almost a daily basis in the Magistrates and Children’s Courts. There will also be scope to appear as counsel in the District and Supreme Courts. 

Although based in ALSWA’s Bunbury office regular travel to circuit courts is required.  You will also be required to undertake weekend court appearances (on a rostered basis).

About you

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Ability to appear as counsel in criminal proceedings 

• Understanding of criminal law, rules of evidence and criminal practice and procedure

• Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, society and the issues affecting Aboriginal people 

• Demonstrated high level organizational, communication and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team along with a willingness to learn and share knowledge with others

• Ability to work in a sensitive manner with clients

• Ability to travel when required

• Ability to work on weekends and public holidays when required

• You must be able to hold a current WA Practicing Certificate

About our benefits

Relocation assistance is available.

We have a friendly, caring and diverse work environment. We offer attractive employment benefits including salary packaging (making part of your salary tax-free), free counselling services to employees and immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. 

We also provide 5 weeks annual leave per year plus leave loading, 2 weeks additional paid leave for end of year closure, and access to additional paid leave for health and well-being.

About us

ALSWA is an Aboriginal community organisation dedicated to providing high quality legal services and assistance to the Aboriginal community in WA. 

ALSWA has 11 offices across regional WA and practices in the areas of criminal, family, civil and human rights law, as well as law reform, community legal education and various programs.

We live our values of caring, sharing and respect.

How to apply

To submit your application, please click the 'Apply' button or send your application to ••••@als.org.au. Your application must include a cover letter outlining what strengths you could bring to the role and your resume. Selection criteria is not required. Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing date: Tuesday 8 September 2026

To discuss this opportunity please contact Human Resources on (08) •••• •666 or ••••@als.org.au. We treat all applications in confidence.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. ALSWA strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Australians. We also encourage applications from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability and provides an environment that values diversity and supports all staff to reach their full potential.