ATSILS - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service
Not-for-profit community organisation contracted by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department to provide criminal, civil and family law services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and their families in Queensland.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) is a not-for-profit, community organisation contracted by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department to provide criminal, civil and family law services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and their families in Queensland. ATSILS seeks to influence positive change within the justice system to reflect an appreciation for the culturally specific and diverse circumstances that impact upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. The organisation also seeks to provide quality evidence-based research, advice and direction to rectify policies and practices that adversely and disproportionately impact on the legal rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For Students
Students currently studying law, justice, indigenous studies, advocacy are encouraged to apply for the Student Placement Program at ATSILS. Placements are available within either the Brisbane or regional offices. Students will be exposed to criminal law, family law and child protection, and civil law (which includes human rights law, coronial enquiries, and other legal services) matters.
Contact
Testimonials
Lauren Hannah
Criminal Lawyer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service - 2020
For some it can be challenging finding the right path in law. When I completed my law studies in South Australia in 2011, I was one of those people, and I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do! Initially, after graduating, I volunteered at a private law firm specialising in personal injury and succession law. To broaden my legal experience and networks, next I secured a position as a Magistrates' Associate. This honed my skills of court process and procedure in civil and criminal law.
My next opportunity saw me working with Legal Aid in Adelaide, firstly in the Advice section, where I provided advice for criminal, civil and family matters, and then as a Duty Solicitor. I loved working as a Duty Solicitor at the coalface and being an advocate for others. I found myself passionate about criminal defence and helping those at their most stressful and vulnerable.
I was then offered a job at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service where I feel privileged to be able to work with our clients and help them access justice. I currently work in the Roma Street Arrest Court in Brisbane and represent clients for bail applications, guilty pleas and case conferencing.
To any students or graduates wanting to pursue a career in the social justice sector, I'd advocate being open minded to all opportunities, because all experiences will shape the lawyer you become. If you can try and volunteer or do your PLT at an organisation you're interested in, to put yourself out there and see where it takes you.