• Criminal & Civil Law (Legal)
• Full time
• $110,000 - $134,000 + super + NFP tax benefits.
• Open to flexibility.
• Brand new Green Star office space in the heart of Canberra's CBD (starting June 2023).

Law Council of Australia

The Law Council of Australia (Law Council) is the peak national representative body of the Australian legal profession. Since 1933, the Law Council has represented its Constituent Bodies, which include State and Territory law societies and bar associations, on national issues, and promoted the administration of justice, access to justice and general improvement of the law in the public interest.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Policy Lawyer is a member of a high-performing policy division in a prestigious national peak organisation, which coordinates strategic policy and advocacy for the legal profession on critical issues affecting access to justice, the administration of justice, regulatory policy, rule of law, and human rights.

Reporting to the Director of Policy and to his or her delegates, the Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues, with focus on equal opportunity and climate change legal issues.

While having primary responsibility in Criminal and National Security Law, the Senior Policy Lawyer will be expected to work in, or assist, in all areas of the Law Council’s policy endeavours. The position will also be required to work closely with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, sections, and Constituent Bodies.

The Senior Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills. The Senior Policy Lawyer will also have the ability to manage projects and to supervise junior staff members. The position also requires a solid understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems, as well as an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the national level.

The Law Council is extremely fast-paced and requires dynamic, intellectual individuals with problem-solving skills and a desire to promote positive change, while defending important institutions and rights.

This position allows tie in with parliament house, and our senior policy lawyers have the opportunity to attend parliamentary hearings and events.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Please prepare a two-page (maximum) statement of claims outlining your suitability for the Senior Policy Lawyer role with the Law Council of Australia, and address the criteria below as part of this statement:

1. An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Post graduate qualifications are considered highly desirable.
2. Demonstrated experience with legal policy development in federal criminal and/or national security Law (or similar).
3. Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
4. Excellent judgement and analytical skills.
5. A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems.
6. Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills.
7. The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and with minimal supervision.
8. Strong and consistent work ethic and demonstrated ability to foster a positive, collaborative and team-oriented workplace culture.
9. A focus on quality and attention to detail.
10. Demonstrated project and staff management skills.
11. Four to five years’ experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.
12. Must be Canberra-based to allow collaborative work.