ABOUT THE TEAM

Redgum Legal & Consulting is a human rights and public interest legal and consulting practice. We provide fee-for-service advice and representation, as well as supporting a significant pro bono practice through our partner organisation, Australian Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal Rights. Based in Fitzroy, our team works across several jurisdictions on diverse matters including First Peoples’ rights and agreement-making, treaty-making, corporate governance, class actions, strategic litigation, native title, land rights, cultural heritage, renewable energy and environmental law.

Redgum clients include Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, community campaigners and change makers, government departments and project proponents. Now in its third year of operation, Redgum has a strong stable of cutting-edge matters, including public interest litigation in the Federal and High Courts. This is an excellent opportunity to join Redgum in a period of growth, and join a team deeply committed to championing human rights and First Peoples’ justice in a relaxed, collegiate and collaborative environment.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Redgum is looking for a full-time lawyer to provide dedicated corporate counsel services to an external client. This is an ideal opportunity for a commercial or corporate lawyer with 2-4 years post admission experience, who seeks to apply their skills in alignment with their social justice values and work on matters that make a difference.

This role would see you dedicating at least four days per week to a leading Victorian Traditional Owner Corporation (Client), working closely with the CEO and leadership team on all relevant legal issues. It may also allow for 1 day per week to be dedicated to our pro bono practice (subject to client and organisational need).

While we are able to provide flexible working arrangements, the position is primarily located at our offices in Fitzroy, with a requirement to regularly visit and work from Client offices located 1 to 2 hours’ drive from Melbourne.

Your key duties will include:

• Working closely with the Client’s CEO, senior management and employees, providing legal advice on a wide range of issues, including corporate governance, contracts, intellectual property, employment law and regulatory compliance.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with government and statutory bodies as well as external commercial proponents, and developing and maintaining internal templates, policies and systems for efficient contract management.
• Preparing and presenting briefings to the CEO, Board and senior management identifying and assessing legal risks associated with business operations and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Ensuring the Client complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including industry-specific regulations, as well as internal controls and policies.
• Managing legal disputes and litigation, including contributing to and advising on dispute resolution processes.
• Providing legal support and advice with respect to agreements made under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) (Settlement Act), and in relation to rights and obligations under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) and Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) (AHA).
• Working with and briefing external counsel when required.

The successful applicant will work closely with Redgum’s Principal Lawyer who will oversee and supervise all work. Over time, you will develop the ability to lead and develop your own work. You are not expected to have prior experience of the statutory regimes established by the Settlement Act, NTA or AHA; however, you will be comfortable learning and applying unfamiliar areas of law and have a strong interest in expanding your commercial or corporate skills in these areas.

You will ideally have:

• A minimum of 2 years post-admission experience in commercial or corporate law (in any specialty).
• A strong understanding of corporate law, contract law and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A demonstrated interest in public interest law or social justice.
• Sound communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• A calm, friendly and professional manner, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with diverse clients
• Critical thinking and the ability to initiate creative solutions.

RENUMERATION

• $80 - $100,000 excluding super, based on experience.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are highly encouraged to apply.