EL1 - Lawyer, Legal Services (Public Law) Branch
The Department is responsible for the design and delivery of the Australian Government's infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications and arts policies and programs. The Department's work touches every Australian community and underpins our economy and society.
Our focus is on connecting Australians, enriching communities, and empowering our regions. We do this by providing policy advice to government, and delivering programs, services, and research for the benefit of all Australians.
The Department's Legal, Legislation Liaison and Privacy Division provides high quality, practical, technically excellent and timely legal advice, support and services for the Department and Ministers' offices. The work is varied across the diverse subject matter of the portfolio, intellectually stimulating and rewarding. The team is dynamic, collaborative and supportive.
The opportunities we have available
We are growing our public law advisory service to support the Department's legislative program and advise on policies and programs, regulatory and administrative law. We are looking for talented lawyers with strong technical legal skills, excellent written and interpersonal skills and experience in the development of legislation.
This is an opportunity to advance your career or gain experience in the Australian Public Service, working alongside exceptional professional lawyers on high profile current issues. You will have access to the brightest legal minds, training opportunities and professional networks to support your career aspirations.
We may establish a merit pool for future vacancies.
What will you do?
You will work in the Department's Public Law Team supporting the design and development of complex primary and secondary legislation, in online safety, civil aviation, telecommunications, vehicle safety and efficiency, arts and cultural affairs, and non-self-governing territories. You will also have exposure to a broad range of public law matters including advising on regulatory law, administrative decision making, statutory interpretation, policies and programs and managing civil litigation. You will support your EL2 supervisor in managing client relationships, and will mentor and supervise junior lawyers. You will be a valued member of a high performing public law team and your work will have real impact on the wellbeing of every Australian and the prosperity of the nation.
Operating under broad direction, your key responsibilities will include:
providing legal advice and support on complex legislation design and development
preparing complex legal instruments for portfolio Ministers, the Secretary and other rule-makers
advising on a range of complex legal issues including statutory interpretation and administrative law
advising on other legal obligations and issues as they arise e.g. tort, corporate law, government finance law, and information law
managing litigation and dispute resolution matters, including judicial and merits reviews
effectively managing the use of external legal service providers in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017 and other requirements
participating in legal reviews of portfolio legislation and public reports
contributing to Divisional and Team priorities and cultivating a positive work environment and culture
engaging with external stakeholders including the Office of Legal Services Coordination, the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and other government lawyers
supervising and mentoring junior lawyers in the provision of legal advice and other legal services
dealing with sensitive topics in a professional manner
contributing to business improvement, reporting and capability building in the Division.
Who are we looking for?
Selection Criteria
General criteria
supports strategic direction
achieves results
supports productive working relationships
displays personal drive and integrity
communicates with influence
Job specific criteria (EL1)
have a tertiary degree in Law from an Australian tertiary institution (or comparable overseas qualification)
be admitted as a legal practitioner of the High Court or of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory or meet the necessary requirements to be admitted
hold or be eligible to obtain a Practising Certificate
have at least 3-5 years prior experience working as a lawyer (either in-house or externally)
have advanced technical legal skills and experience in providing advice and supporting legislation projects
have the capacity to develop a sound knowledge of portfolio subject matters quickly.
What else can we offer?
Find your purpose.
We provide the environment you need through excellent conditions and a supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
Our values are to be: respectful, informed, collaborative, adaptive, accountable. Through our commitment to these values, we maintain a fulfilling and supportive environment that promotes the wellbeing of our people.
We offer job security, flexible work arrangements as agreed with your supervisor, regional and city work locations, generous leave and superannuation entitlements.
Access to join our 6 staff-led diversity networks which promote a culture of inclusion to enhance work performance and the wellbeing of all staff.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
Citizenship:
To be eligible for employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
Health Assessment:
the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the Department's preferred medical provider.
Security Clearance:
the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at AGSVA Baseline level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.
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