Lawyers Weekly | Assistant Director – Legal (El1)

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, our success is built on the imagination and intelligence of our team. ASIO's people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To be successful in our mission, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.
We seek to reflect the diversity of the community we protect. ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.
The Opportunity Are you seeking a career within an intelligence agency where you can contribute and make a difference to the security of Australia? An exciting opportunity exists for suitably qualified senior lawyers to fill Assistant Director roles. We are looking for experienced and passionate individuals across various legal disciplines. There are a number of positions available, and we provide access to ongoing training and professional development and offer various experiences across the practice. We also offer flexible working arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance.
ASIO's Legal Services Division is a professional in-house legal practice providing expert legal advice to support ASIO's operational and corporate functions, and to manage ASIO's representation in courts and tribunals. The Division works with international and domestic partners including law enforcement, intelligence agencies and other Commonwealth and State departments.
Role responsibilities We are looking for senior lawyers with excellent technical skills across one or more of these key areas:
Statutory interpretation. Administrative law. Criminal law and law enforcement. Litigation. Commercial and employment law. Reporting to a Director in the Legal Services Division, you will collaborate closely with business areas and focus on quality client service. You will work as part of a team, across various geographic locations, to support ASIO's mission and priorities, and will engage directly with senior officers.
What you will bring We invite applications from people with the following attributes:
Experience in providing excellent legal services, ideally in an operational environment. Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly become familiar with, national security legislation. A client focus providing practical approaches to complex legal and policy issues in an uncertain environment. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and consult stakeholders proactively. Innovative thinking with strong strategic awareness, including engaging with risk. Strong oral and written communication skills. At least 5 years post admission experience in legal practice, or comparable experience. Qualifications Applicants must have a recognised law degree from an Australian tertiary institution or a comparable overseas qualification recognised in Australia. Applicants must be admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in a State or Territory of Australia.
What we offer you ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:
A competitive salary, including a 7.5 per cent allowance for maintaining a Positive Vetting security clearance. Flexible working hours/arrangements to assist you to maintain your work-life balance. (Please note: due to our unique working environment, work from home options are not available). Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4 per cent. A variety of leave options, including 4 weeks annual leave. Seven staff-led diversity and inclusion networks. Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education. Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families. Eligibility To be eligible for the role, you must be:
An Australian citizen. Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a Positive Vetting security clearance. ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome and value applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.
Location Positions are available in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne. Relocation assistance is provided to successful candidates where ASIO requires you to relocate.
How to apply Click on 'Apply Online' to commence your application. Your application must be complete and include the following:
A written pitch of no more than 800 words using examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements. An up-to-date CV, no more than two pages in length. Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous manager. All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages.
ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.
Closing date and time Wednesday 5 June 2024 by 5:00pm AEST. No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted.
The Recruitment Selection Process – what to expect We thank all applicants for their interest in applying. Please be advised that our selection process is rigorous and extensive. All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages. The stages themselves may include; application submission, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment, and panel discussion.
ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for candidates to participate within all stages of the selection process. These opportunities may include reasonable adjustment to assessment methodologies to enable full participation. Please let us know if you require any additional assistance or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace.
ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.
We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process. Once complete, we will notify unsuccessful candidates but will not provide feedback on any aspect of the selection process.
An order of merit may be created to fill future vacancies which has the same or similar requirements as this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.
Employment conditions Employment is under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Conditions of service are similar to those applying in the Australian Public Service. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.
Enquiries If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please contact ASIO Recruitment at or phone 02 6257 4916.
More information For more information about ASIO, please visit:
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