About the Law Council of Australia

The Law Council of Australia represents the legal profession at the national level, to speak on behalf of its Constituent Bodies on national issues, and to promote the administration of justice, access to justice and general improvement of the law.

The Law Council advises governments, courts, and federal agencies on ways in which the law and the justice system can be improved for the benefit of the community. The Law Council also represents the Australian legal profession overseas, and maintains close relationships with legal professional bodies throughout the world.

The Law Council was established in 1933, and represents 16 Australian state and territory law societies and bar associations and the Law Firms Australia, which are known collectively as the Council’s Constituent Bodies.

The Secretariat serves the Law Council nationally and is based in Canberra.

About the Division

Through its international networks, the International Division seeks to advance the Law Council’s domestic policy agenda, and monitor developments in international law, jurisprudence, and legal practice. The Division works to promote and defend the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and legal profession, with a particular focus on the Asia Pacific region. It also represents the Australian legal profession internationally and aims to maximise Australia’s participation in the global legal services market.

The International Division manages the Law Council’s engagement with international legal associations, including LAWASIA, the International Bar Association and the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association, as well as its relationships and collaboration with counterpart legal professional bodies around the world. It also leads the Law Council’s engagement in United Nations meetings and consultations, most notably the Human Rights Council.

The International Division acts as Secretariat for the South Pacific Lawyers’ Association (SPLA), a regional legal association comprised of member organisations and lawyers groups representing seventeen jurisdictions across the South Pacific.

About the role

As a member of the International Division, the Research Officer, International supports the Division’s Director, Senior Policy Lawyer, and Policy Lawyer by assisting in the preparation of written material on a diverse range of legal and international policy issues, research papers and reports.

The position provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to further develop and apply his or her skills in critical thinking, policy analysis and formulation, and strategic relationship management.

The Research Officer, International will hold qualifications in law, exceptional interpersonal and communications ability, a strong understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems and international relationships, strong legal research skills and demonstrate a high degree of personal integrity and attention to detail.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the International Division with the preparation of correspondence, reports, briefing notes, presentations, and other documents such as:
  • Briefing materials and summaries tailored to both Australian and international audiences,
  • Research papers and advice on issues of international law, policy and legal practice,
  • Business papers for Law Council Directors or the Executive which record and summarise the International Division’s activities and/or issues for decision,
  • Speeches and conference papers,
  • Submissions to government inquiries and international legal consultations;
• Assist in preparing communications and resources on behalf of the South Pacific Lawyers’ Association (SPLA) Secretariat;
• Where required, attend meetings and events, take minutes, and prepare file notes;
• Where required, assist in the organisation and delivery of international meetings and events;
• Other duties as requested.

Selection Criteria

1. Undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in law.
2. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
3. Proven ability to work both cooperatively within a team and independently as appropriate.
4. High level of competence with Microsoft Office package and the ability to experiment with and employ creative methods for summarising and presenting information.
5. Demonstrated excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
6. Ability to undertake legal and information research and produce reports that are clear, precise and accurate, in particular:
   1. the ability to identify relevant information from both domestic and international source;
   2. the ability to critically assess different sources of information;
   3. the ability to present research findings in a clear, organised and concise manner giving appropriate emphasis to significant issues/findings.
7. A sound understanding of and interest in Australia’s legal and political systems and strategic international relationships, in particular in the Asia-Pacific; and
8. Academic or practical experience and/or knowledge of international trade law and policy, including free trade agreements, would be an advantage.