APS 6 & EL 1 Legal Officer/Senior Legal OfficerThe Legal and Audit Division in the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) has a number of opportunities for Legal Officers (APS6) and Senior Legal Officers (EL1) to join our in-house legal practice.The Legal and Audit Division is a specialist in-house practice that supports lawful implementation of the Department's objectives by advising on the management of legal risk as well as providing legal advice, litigation and dispute resolution services, legal training and legislation services. It is a dynamic and collegiate division with a strong focus on delivering quality timely legal advice, and developing our staff in a positive team environment.We are looking for candidates with strong technical legal skills, who are great communicators, can manage competing priorities, enjoy working collaboratively, think flexibly and have a positive attitude. For executive level positions, we are also looking for candidates who think strategically, and have the ability to lead, manage and mentor others.Lawyers at all levels work on a wide range of complex and interesting legal matters with friendly and high performing colleagues. You will be supported to further develop a highly sought after and transferable skill set.DutiesAs an APS6 Legal Officer you will:Deliver high quality legal services that meet client expectations (including financial), business and legal risk, compliance requirements and professional standards.Prepare, draft and review of moderately complex legal matters and documents with the ability to seek guidance and advice when required.Be responsible for the delivery of moderately complex legal services under general supervision of a more senior lawyer; have "day to day" responsibility for legal matters that are moderately complex in nature and work with more senior practitioners on more complex matters.Develop and maintain client relationships with business areas and promote the Legal Services and Audit Division as DVA's trusted advisor.Supervise (as required) and/or support other section members including contributing to the setting of the direction of work priorities and practices, monitoring work flow and contributing to shared learning.Further professional legal expertise, through participation in development, training and study opportunities, and meet Continuing Legal Education requirements and other expectations.Exercise both initiative and judgment in the interpretation of policy and in the application of practices and procedures to provide detailed technical and professional advice in relation to moderately complex problems.As an EL1 Senior Legal Officer you will:Deliver high quality legal services that meet client expectations, considering both legal and non-legal risks, professional standards and the department's role under its portfolio legislation.Prepare, draft and review complex legal matters and documents with limited guidance.Be responsible for the delivery of complex legal services and work with more senior practitioners to resolve complex and/or sensitive matters.Build and maintain strong client relationships with business areas while promoting the Legal & Audit Division as DVA's trusted advisor.Anticipate and respond to stakeholder needs and expectations and consider how issues can be challenged constructively.Supervise and support junior staff, including by setting clear direction for work priorities and monitoring work flow, and contributing to shared learning.Advance professional legal expertise, through participation in development, training and study opportunities, and meet Continuing Legal Education requirements and other expectations.Support leadership of the Branches and Division, including through promoting a positive working environment, and contributing to corporate leadership activities.Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.The successful candidate will be required obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.Mandatory RequirementsMust have a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree (or equivalent) from a recognised Australian tertiary education provider.Must be admitted as a legal practitioner (however described) of the High Court or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia and must possess, or be eligible to obtain, a practising certificate.NotesThis recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.Where a non-ongoing position is offered, the role will be filled for an initial specified term of up to 23 months.A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.DVA embraces and fosters a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
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