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Lawyer - Professional Conduct

New South Wales Bar Association
  • Role for a PQE solicitor with two-three years' experience, and
  • An interest in the regulatory framework of the legal profession
  • CBD location with hybrid work (Office / Work from Home)

Role

The Council of the NSW Bar Association exercises statutory functions in relation to practising certificates and deals with disciplinary matters concerning barristers, pursuant to the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and associated legal profession legislation.

In carrying out those functions the Council is supported by a team of legally qualified staff who provide secretariat assistance to four Professional Conduct Committees (PCCs). The staff and Committees facilitate the investigation of and reporting to the Council on conduct complaints, show cause events and other disclosures made pursuant to the legal profession legislation.

The staff of the Professional Conduct team also work with other Association lawyers and external stakeholders on policy matters and, when necessary, law reform issues.

Responsibilities

Provide high-level professional assistance to the Bar Council, its Committees, the Executive Director, Director Professional Conduct and other Association staff in relation to the Bar Council’s statutory responsibilities under the legal profession legislation, including those relating to practising certificates and barristers’ practice matters generally.

Act as Committee Secretary to two of the PCCs to support them in investigating complaints, show cause events and other disclosures made by barristers. As such, exercise responsibility for case management of a high volume of matters, including:

  • Rigorous analysis of all material received;
  • Effective response to that material;
  • Working closely with the Chair and barrister members on the Committee throughout the investigative process;
  • Attending committee meetings;
  • Constructive participation in the Committee’s deliberations;
  • Provide guidance on the application and interpretation of the legal profession legislation;
  • Ensuring that all matters are progressed expeditiously, with attention to detail;
  • Adhering to procedural fairness and other statutory requirements of the investigative process; and
  • Ensuring that, at the conclusion of the investigation, the Committee’s report to the Bar Council is accurate having regard to both factual and legal content.

You will also be required to:

  • Take carriage of litigation arising from the matters of the Committees, as directed by the Director Professional Conduct from time-to-time, including retaining and briefing external solicitors and counsel, acting as conduit for instructions to and from the Bar Council or Executive Committee, as required; and, as necessary, attend hearings.
  • Facilitate the provision of ethical guidance to members of the Bar.
  • Respond to inquiries from the public and the profession in relation to the regulation of the profession generally.
  • Work with the Certification & Regulatory Lawyer in respect of applications for and renewal of practising certificates; assist with monitoring compliance with conditions attached to practising certificates.
  • Liaise with co-regulators in NSW and regulatory counterparts inter-state and overseas.
  • Work outside the core standard hours will occasionally be necessary, as committee meetings are held between 5-7pm.

The Lawyer, Professional Conduct reports to the Director, Professional Conduct.

Essential skills and experience

  • Tertiary legal qualifications
  • 2-3 years' of PQE experience within the legal profession or in regulatory work
  • Demonstrated effective case management
  • Demonstrated analytical and flexible problem solving skills
  • Ability to manage a high volume of work
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proven ability and aptitude to work with a small team
  • Ability to work with electronic case management systems.

To submit your application please click the Apply Now button. 

If you require further information, please contact Ms Jocelyn Sparks, Director, Professional Conduct on 9232 4055.

The Association is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

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