The opportunity we have available



The Legal Services Commercial Law team, which is part of the Legal, FOI & Privacy Division, is seeking experienced (EL1 level, 5+ years PQE), dynamic and talented real property lawyers to join our growing legal team. With strong technical legal abilities and commercial acumen, our ideal candidate will have excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills and a proactive/enquiring mindset to enable and deliver on the real property focused aspects of the Division’s legal services.



Reporting to the Principal Lawyer – Real Property (EL2), this newly created role will collaborate with other lawyers to deliver outcomes as part of a high performing legal team managing a diverse portfolio of matters that are crucial to the wellbeing of every Australian and the prosperity of the nation. This is an opportunity to advance your career and/or gain experience working in the Australian Public Service, working with high profile stakeholders.



The Commercial Law team provides a broad range of legal services to the Department (including to support the delivery of major projects such as Western Sydney Airport, Moorebank Intermodal Freight Terminal and WestConnex).



Particular areas of focus for the team, include:



major infrastructure projects, including air, road and rail;
regional development initiatives;
support for the administration of offshore non-self-governing Australian territories;
communications services;
broader corporate and procurement services for the Department; and
surface transport matters, including aviation, maritime and road transport.


The current organisational structure for the Department which sets out the divisions and branches can be found here



We may establish a merit pool for future vacancies.





What will you do?



Working closely with the Principal Lawyer – Real Property and the General Counsel to:



proactively identifying legal risks and providing timely and effective legal advice/solutions to the Department and a range of internal and external stakeholders;
carriage of, and providing strategic and technically sound legal advice on real property related aspects of commercial law matters to enable the Department to assess legal risks and make sound decisions on contractual and commercial matters;
drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of real property related contracts, correspondence and project agreements (including agreements for lease, leases, licences, easements, covenants, contracts for sale);
developing and maintaining (through periodic/ongoing review) the Department’s real property related precedents;
partnering with internal stakeholders to inform, design and deliver effective and efficient legal solutions that meet the Department’s requirements;
mentoring and guiding junior members of the Commercial Law team;
overseeing the efficient and value for money delivery of external legal service providers who may be appointed to assist with matters from time to time; and
contributing to organisational level continuous improvement and skills/capacity building initiatives, including by delivering internal training to the Department on commercial law related issues from time to time.


Who are we looking for?



Essential



Our ideal candidate must:



have 5+ PQE relevant legal experience, gained in a law firm, in an in-house environment or in government;
have the interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders (of all levels) in the provision of legal advice (they are flexible, resilient and a strong team player with a positive and collaborative working style);
be able to work independently and with a geographically dispersed team, and be able to prioritise workload in a high-volume and fast-paced environment that will (at times) involve urgent deadlines - requiring the ability to triage, manage, and prioritise workflow;
have excellent technical legal skills, including:
experience in advising on, drafting, reviewing and/or negotiating a range of commercial arrangements; and
the ability to provide timely, strategic and technically sound legal advice that enables the Department to assess risk and make sound decisions on commercial law related matters;
be able to drive and own outcomes, be proactive and possess an agile mindset and strong problem solving and influencing skills – they are client centric and pride themselves on their ability to persuasively communicate complex legal concepts in plain English; and
strive to continuously improve and develop (including by responding to constructive feedback), and an ability to meet the work level standards expected of an EL1 level lawyer (available at: Work level standards: APS Level and Executive Level classifications | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au)).




Favourable



While not essential, our ideal candidate may also have:



experience in resolving disputes, including using alternate dispute resolution, and in the development and implementation of strategies to resolve disputes;
environment and planning expertise/experience;
intellectual property and ICT expertise/experience; and/or
an appreciation of the policy and legislative/regulatory framework that is relevant to dealings/transactions undertaken by the Department.


We actively support flexible work arrangements. The preference for the role is for a full-time position however we are open to part-time applicants noting that this may result in a job-share arrangement.



We are also flexible in terms of allowing home-based work subject to operational needs and upon discussion with the Principal Lawyer – Real Property.





What else can we offer?



Working in the Legal, FOI and Privacy Division within our Department gives you an opportunity to be a part of delivering high - priority outcomes for the Government. We offer a range of professional benefits and opportunities to help you build your skills, experience and networks in the Australian Public Service (APS):



an excellent opportunity to grow and diversify your career in a high-profile organisation and role;
exposure to high profile and exciting matters and networking opportunities across the Department and wider APS;
a flexible, family friendly workplace and a diverse and supportive team environment – for example, flexible working arrangements including home-based work;
study assistance, support for continuing legal education and vocational training (including formal training and capability development opportunities focused on your individual career goals);
attractive remuneration package plus 15.4% superannuation.
excellent conditions of service (for example a typical 37.5 hour working week, additional paid leave over the Christmas shutdown period and (where eligible to do so) we may be able to recognise periods of prior State or Commonwealth Service for long service leave purposes in accordance with the Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976 (Cth)).




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 an application.
Health Assessment: The preferred applicant 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 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. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Qualifications: Tertiary degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution, or a comparable overseas qualification which is appropriate to the duties of the position.
Admission as a legal practitioner, however described, of the High Court or of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory or have completed and satisfied all requirements to be eligible for admission.