Senior Solicitor/Practice Manager

Senior Solicitor / Practice Manger - Legal Officer V – Wollongong Office 

• 3 Year Temporary Full –Time Contract 

• Salary range $154,403.00 - $146,831.00 

• Wollongong Location 

About Legal Aid NSW 

 We stand beside people when they need it most.  

At Legal Aid NSW, fairness isn’t just a legal principle, it shapes everything we do - our culture, our services, our workplace and our decisions. 

Since 1979, Legal Aid NSW has provided legal advice, support and representation in criminal, family and civil law, helping people across NSW navigate hardship and complex legal issues. Our work is challenging, but deeply meaningful. 

In partnerships with LawAccess NSW, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, we are located throughout the state including our Central Sydney office, 25 regional offices, and satellite and outreach offices. 

About the Role 

As the Senior Solicitor / Practice Manager, you will deliver high‑quality legal advice and representation to Legal Aid NSW clients, including in complex matters, in line with organisational policies and guidelines. In this role, you will contribute to Legal Aid NSW’s mission of providing accessible, effective legal services that help clients resolve their legal issues. You will also lead, mentor and supervise junior legal staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment. 

About You 

This Wollongong-based role is ideal for an experienced criminal lawyer committed to making a difference in the Illawarra community. 

You will bring strong criminal law expertise, the ability to manage a busy and complex caseload, and excellent communication skills to work effectively with diverse and vulnerable clients. 

You are also a supportive team player with demonstrated leadership or mentoring capability, able to guide junior staff and contribute to a positive, resilient team culture. 

To succeed, you will have: 

• Solid criminal law knowledge and advocacy skills 

• Strong organisational skills and sound judgement 

• The ability to build effective relationships with clients and stakeholders 

• A commitment to Legal Aid NSW’s values and client-centred service 

You Belong Here 

Here, every role has purpose.  

Whether you’re delivering frontline legal services or strengthening our organisation from behind the scenes, you’ll help create fairer outcomes for the people across NSW. 

We’re building a workplace where every culture, identity, ability and voice are included and valued. We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with visible and invisible disability, culturally diverse communities, and LGBTQI+ communities so you can connect and flourish at every stage of career.  

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organisation, working alongside like-minded and values driven people dedicated to justice, community impact, and delivering exceptional support and service through cross collaboration. 

Benefits of working at Legal Aid NSW 

As an employee of Legal Aid NSW, you will have access to and enjoy a variety of support and benefits so you can thrive professionally and personally. You’ll love our: 

Flexible Working - we are a Flex Ready certified and Carers and Employers accredited organisation. We are leading the way in offering a variety of flexible working options to uniquely support your unique work life balance. 

Professional Growth – as the largest law firm in NSW we offer a variety of opportunities to enhance your career at every stage, through regional graduate programs, Practical Legal Training and work placements, mentoring, training, and secondment opportunities.  

Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing – with dedicated programs, training, resources, and respectful work practices, our Wellbeing Framework ensures your physical, mental and psychosocial wellbeing matters, so you feel supported, safe and holistically well. 

Essential Requirements 

• Hold Australian or NZ citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or a valid visa to work in Australia.  

• Undertake relevant pre-employment checks such as Working with Children Check, 

Criminal Record Check, and Conduct Service Check  

• Be admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW 

• Provide a current unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate before you start work with us 

Download the Role Description to explore the role in-depth.  

We may use this recruitment to create a Talent Pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months in the Wollongong office only. 

Apply Now! 

Closing Date: Sunday 05/06/2026 at 11.59pm 

Your application is your chance to show why you’re a strong match for this role.  

Please provide:  

• A current resume (up to 5 pages) 

• A cover letter (up to 2 pages) addressing the following two targeted questions: 

Targeted Question 1:  Outline your experience in conducting a high volume and complex criminal law practice. 

Targeted Question 2:  What challenges do you see in managing a large criminal law practice? Include examples of balancing a complex criminal law practice with leadership and supervision responsibilities.