Senior Legal Officer

Job Description

Our Opportunity

Senior Legal Officers display an ability to manage and organise their work in the context of tight timeframes. Senior Legal Officers assist the Commission to formulate proposals and recommendations for reform and work closely with their colleagues to ensure the ALRC’s law reform processes and activities are best practice.

Who are we looking for?

We seek people who bring external ideas, diverse experience, and global perspectives, and are willing to explore innovative ways of working. People who work for us will display leadership at all levels, apply information effectively in order to solve problems, and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes.

Key responsibilities of the positions:

1.      Conducting Inquiries

Support Principal Legal Officers by:

• researching and identifying the key issues involved in the field of inquiry;
• using experience to identify stakeholders of particular interest for the Inquiry for both consultation and inclusion in any Advisory Committee;
• scoping and undertaking research to inform the ALRC’s understanding of the field of inquiry;
• participating in consultation meetings;
• undertaking high level analysis of complex issues and submissions;
• using analytical and conceptual skills to formulate and evaluate proposals and recommendations for reform;
• contributing to chapters for consultation documents and final reports; and
• attending ALRC Advisory Committee meetings and record minutes of these meetings as required.

2.      Mentoring legal staff and interns

• Contribute to the cohesion and effectiveness of the inquiry team by sharing experience and knowledge;
• Foster collegiate and nurturing relationships within the legal team; and
• Supervise and mentor interns as required and participate in intern recruitment processes.

3.      Other activities

• Write articles for inclusion in law journals and publications, as required;
• Represent the ALRC at relevant government and/or stakeholder meetings; and
• Assist with the preparation of submissions to other inquiries.

4.      Contributing to the strategic development of the ALRC

• Participate in cross organisational activities;
• Support the ongoing development of the ALRC’s website and communications strategies; and
• Assist with the formulation of press releases and other communication documents.

Selection Criteria:

• Three or more years’ experience in the areas of legal research, legal practice or policy development.
• Proven legal research skills and experience.
• Proven ability to write clear and concise documents, to clearly articulate complex ideas and concepts and to communicate with influence.
• High level analytical and conceptual skills in policy development and implementation within a government, academic or related framework.
• Demonstrated capacity to foster productive working relationships, working in a team, sharing information and ideas, and considering the views of others.
• Ability to work independently, to prioritise tasks and to set schedules in order to meet specified deadlines.
• The range and nature of work within the ALRC requires a workforce that reflects our diverse society and the department provides a number of support mechanisms for employees.

As an ALRC employee, you will:

• be part of an inclusive and diverse work environment;
• receive a generous starting salary and work conditions;
• benefit from supportive learning and development; and
• benefit from supportive learning and development.

How to apply

Applications are to be emailed to [email protected].

As part of your application, you will need to provide:

• your current résumé
• a statement of claims (max. 750 words) describing how you meet the Selection Criteria as outlined above.
• the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require any reasonable adjustments, please email [email protected].