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.

Details about the Position

• Position Title Senior Policy Lawyer
• Work hours Full-time
• Location Canberra
• Division / Reports to Principal Policy Lawyer

About the Division

The Policy Division performs a critical role in a prestigious national peak organisation, coordinating 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.

The Law Council’s Policy Division 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.

About the team

The Human Rights Team is responsible for legal policy development and advocacy on a wide range of legal and public policy issues. The team has responsibility for federal human rights issues (including business and human rights), First Nations people and the law, migration law, equal opportunity in the legal profession, and climate change and environmental legal issues.

About the role

The Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues. Having a strong understanding of any or all of the following issues would be a key advantage: migration law; First Nations legal and justice issues at the federal and national level, climate change and the environment; and equality and diversity in the legal profession.

While having primary responsibility within the Human Rights Team, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analysing legal and public policy issues and drafting advice on realistic policy options for the Law Council to adopt and advocate.
• Communicating and presenting information in writing and orally in a clear, logical and insightful way.
• Managing relationships and working with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, Sections and Constituent Bodies to develop comprehensive policy positions.
• Researching and drafting papers and submissions to governments and non-government about current legislative or policy initiatives within set timeframes.
• Monitoring the domestic and international environment to identify issues likely to have an impact on the Australian legal profession or areas of the Law Council’s policy focus.
• Assisting in the developing and strengthening of relationships with governments and stakeholders.
• Representing the Law Council at meetings with governments and non-government organisations.
• Drafting speeches, media releases, articles, and briefings for the Law Council and external publications.
• Preparing and assisting with correspondence for Law Council office holders and senior managers.
• Reporting to the Law Council Directors on relevant matters including priority actions responding to the Law Council’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026.
• Managing specific projects as determined by the Law Council;
• Supervising staff as required.
• Other duties as required.

Selection Criteria

• An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Postgraduate qualifications are considered highly desirable.
• A strong knowledge and/or experience in legal and justice issues which are priority areas within the Human Rights Team: in particular, migration law; First Nations legal and justice issues at the federal and national level, climate change and the environment; and equality and diversity in the legal profession;
• High-level written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent judgement and analytical skills;
• A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems;
• Advanced legal research, policy and advocacy skills;
• The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and with minimal supervision;
• Strong and consistent work ethic and demonstrated ability to foster a positive, collaborative and team-oriented workplace culture;
• A focus on quality and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated project and staff management skills; and
• Three to five years’ post-admission experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.

First Nations persons are strongly encouraged to apply for this role.

Contact: Human Resources Advisor, Andrea Killebrew [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Lawyer - Human Rights enquiry via EthicalJobs.