Legal Officer

Other
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
May 12, 2025
Permanent / Full Time
Application deadline closed.

Job Description

The Legal Officer will work under the supervision of senior lawyers and the General Counsel. The Legal Officer reports to one of the Principal Lawyers. The Legal Officer will be responsible for the provision of high-quality legal support to the Commission’s Legal Team to ensure it is fully supported in the delivery of legal services to the Commission.

In this role, the Legal Officer is expected to apply professional knowledge and skills in law and legal practice to:

  • Conduct legal research and analysis of caselaw and other legal material, and prepare high quality, timely memoranda on legal issues.
  • Prepare draft legal advice for review by senior lawyers on a range of issues, including on operational matters within the Commission as well as issues arising in investigations.
  • Assist with the progression of investigations by providing legal advice, assisting with warrant applications and drafting investigation reports.
  • Draft routine legal documents such as letters, confidentiality notices, non-disclosure notices, summonses, and other documents issued by the Commission under the Integrity Commission Act 2018 (ACT).
  • Co-ordinate and liaise with legal and administrative staff within the Commission to facilitate public and private examinations, including performing Associate duties as required during examinations.
  • Prepare draft examination plans and draft observations for Counsel Assisting for examinations.
  • Assist with the preparation of reports on assessment of incoming matters and investigations as required.
  • Conduct high-volume document review, draft chronologies and other summary documents, and compile briefs of evidence.
  • Maintain and update Legal template documents.
  • Maintain and update the Legal advice database ensuring that it remains current.
  • Maintain records in accordance with the Territory Records Act 2002.
  • Assessing and assist in responding to Freedom of Information requests in accordance with applicable legislation.
  • Respond to Notice to Produce Information requests.
  • Contribute to the preparation and revision of internal processes, procedures and guidance material to facilitate the work of the legal branch and other areas of the Commission.
  • Engage and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
  • Contribute to legal knowledge within the Commission through a commitment to continued legal education and training.
  • Contribute to CPD activities and maintain CPD register for the Legal team.

In addition to the activities above, the Legal Officer may from time to time be asked to undertake tasks that are outside their usual span of duties but are within the range of their capabilities. Supporting one another in this way provides opportunities for exposure across the agency and is an integral part of the Commission’s positive workplace culture.

As a representative of the Commission, the Legal Officer must be a role model for professionalism and integrity within the ACT public sector, the broader ACT community, and the legal profession.

Eligibility/other requirements:

  • Admission (or eligibility to be admitted) as a practitioner of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
  • A restricted practising certificate or the ability to obtain one.
  • The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Commonwealth security clearance at the Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) classification; accordingly, applications can only be considered from those with Australian citizenship.

Notes: A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

How to Apply: Applications via the ACT Government website must include:

  • A current curriculum vitae, and
  • A written response (a pitch) of 750words or less that:
    • demonstrates how your Skills, Knowledge and Experience address the Criteria outlined in the ‘What you require’ Section of the Position Description, and
    • outlines why you want the job and why you believe you are the best person for the position.
  • Contact details for two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent supervisor.