Principal Policy Lawyer – Human Rights Team
The Law Council of Australia represents the legal profession at the national level, to speak on behalf of its Constituent Bodies on national issues, and to promote the administration of justice, access to justice and general improvement of the law.The Law Council advises governments, courts and federal agencies on ways in which the law and the justice system can be improved for the benefit of the community.
The Law Council also represents the Australian legal profession overseas, and maintains close relationships with legal professional bodies throughout the world.The Law Council was established in 1933, and represents 16 Australian state and territory law societies and bar associations and the Law Firms Australia, which are known collectively as the Council's Constituent Bodies.The Secretariat serves the Law Council nationally and is based in Canberra.About the DivisionThe Policy Division in a prestigious national peak organisation, which coordinates strategic policy and advocacy for the legal profession on critical issues affecting access to justice, the administration of justice, regulatory policy, rule of law and human rights.About the RoleThe Principal Policy Lawyer is a member of the Law Council's Legal Policy Division.
The position reports to the General Manager of Policy.The Principal Policy Lawyer leads the Human Rights team.
The Human Rights team is responsible for legal policy development and advocacy on a wide range of legal and public policy issues.
Specifically, the team has responsibility for federal human rights issues (including business and human rights), First Nations people and the law, migration law, equal opportunity in the legal profession, and climate change legal issues.The Principal Policy Lawyer will manage a small team of policy lawyers in this work.While having primary responsibility in the above areas, the Principal Policy Lawyer will be expected to work in, or assist, in all areas of the Law Council's policy endeavours.
The position will also be required to work closely with the Law Council's advisory committees, working groups, sections and Constituent Bodies.The Principal Policy Lawyer will have outstanding legal skills.
They will have professional experience interpreting and writing about Commonwealth legislation.
They will have experience working in one or more of the areas of the law for which the Human Rights team is responsible.
They will have at least a working knowledge of international human rights law.The Principal Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills.
The Principal Policy Lawyer will have experience managing projects and supervising junior staff members.
The position also requires an advanced understanding of Australia's legal and political systems, as well as an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the national level.The Law Council is extremely fast-paced and requires dynamic, intellectual individuals with problem-solving skills and a desire to promote positive change, while defending important institutions and rights.This role is suitable for a legal professional who is keen to apply their advanced understanding of the Australian legal system to a venerable institution with the objective of defending and protecting the rule of law in the public interest.Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeading the Human Rights team of the Policy Division.Analysing legal and public policy issues and providing advice to the General Manager of Policy on realistic policy options for the Law Council to adopt and advocate.Communicating and presenting information in writing and orally in a clear, logical and insightful way.Managing relationships and working with the Law Council's advisory committees, working groups, sections and Constituent Bodies to develop comprehensive policy positions and on frequent submissions.Researching and drafting papers and submissions to governments and non-government about current legislative or policy initiatives within set timeframes.Monitoring the domestic and international environment to identify issues likely to have an impact on the Australian legal profession or areas of the Law Council's policy focus.Assisting in the developing and strengthening of relationships with governments and stakeholders.Representing the Law Council at meetings with governments and non-government organisations.Drafting speeches, media releases, articles, and briefings for the Law Council and external publications.Preparing and assisting with correspondence for Law Council office holders and senior managers.Reporting to the Law Council Directors on matters affecting the Australian legal profession.Managing specific projects as determined by the Law Council.Other duties as required.Selection CriteriaA bachelor's degree in law or policy development as a minimum.
Post graduate qualifications are considered highly desirable.Professional experience interpreting and writing about Commonwealth legislation.A strong knowledge of several of the following areas of the law: migration law, administrative law, statutory interpretation, international human rights law, climate change legal issues, and First Nations people and the law.High-level written and oral communication skills.Excellent judgement and analytical skills.A high level of understanding of Australia's legal and political systems.Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills.The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and minimal supervision.Strong and consistent work ethic and demonstrated ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented workplace culture.A focus on quality and attention to detail.Demonstrated project and staff management skills.At least four years' experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.An ability to manage a small team.How to ApplyTo apply for the position, please send a copy of your CV and Selection Criteria by COB 21 October 2024.
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