Job Description
Job description
About the Division
The Policy Division performs a critical role in a prestigious national peak organisation, coordinating 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.
In our work we champion the rule of law and its effective delivery as the foundation of a just legal system and aim to lead law reform and legal policy discussions with expertise at the national level. We also advocate on behalf of the Law Council’s Constituent Bodies and in turn the legal profession. Our objective is to provide the federal government and other stakeholders with balanced, respected, independent and apolitical policy positions.
The Law Council’s Policy Division 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.
About the role
Reporting to the Deputy-General Manager of Policy, the Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues. While having primary responsibility in Criminal and National Security Law, the Senior 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 Senior Policy Lawyer will be primarily responsible for providing secretariat support to the Law Council’s National Criminal Law Committee and National Security Working Group. As such, this is a unique opportunity to work closely with eminent legal practitioners in these areas.
The Senior Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills. The Senior Policy Lawyer will also have the ability to manage projects and to supervise junior staff members if required. The position also requires a solid understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems and an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the Commonwealth level.
In recent years, this role has had a focus on proposals for new Commonwealth criminal offences particularly where they involve an extension of criminal liability and/or strict liability; statutory reviews of aspects of Australia’s counter-terrorism framework; sentencing issues including mandatory sentencing; reforms to criminal procedure at the Commonwealth level and powers of Federal law enforcement and intelligence gathering agencies.
Duties and responsibilities
Analysing legal and public policy issues and drafting advice on balanced, respected, independent and apolitical 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. Adapts communication to the knowledge, experience and expectations of the audience.
Managing relationships and working with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, Sections and Constituent Bodies to develop comprehensive policy positions.
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.
Preparing briefings for/participating in Parliamentary and external inquiry hearings.
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 proactive policy development projects as determined by the Law Council.
Takes responsibility for timely delivery of individual and team outcomes.
Enhances own strengths and addresses weaknesses. Maintains a continuous improvement approach to individual and team work.
Supervising staff as required.
Other duties as required.
Selection criteria
An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Postgraduate qualifications are considered highly desirable. Candidates who have been admitted to legal practice in Australia will be preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to access to justice and rule of law issues and solutions.
Strong understanding in legal policy and/or legal practice experience in criminal law and/or national security.
Demonstrated experience in advanced statutory interpretation. Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills.
High-level written and oral communication skills.
Strategic and innovative problem solving skills. Proven ability to develop responses to complex legal and policy issues.
A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage conflicting priorities and to work within tight deadlines, independently and with 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.
Four to five years’ post-admission experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.
Must be Canberra-based to allow collaborative work.
About the Division
The Policy Division performs a critical role in a prestigious national peak organisation, coordinating 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.
In our work we champion the rule of law and its effective delivery as the foundation of a just legal system and aim to lead law reform and legal policy discussions with expertise at the national level. We also advocate on behalf of the Law Council’s Constituent Bodies and in turn the legal profession. Our objective is to provide the federal government and other stakeholders with balanced, respected, independent and apolitical policy positions.
The Law Council’s Policy Division 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.
About the role
Reporting to the Deputy-General Manager of Policy, the Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues. While having primary responsibility in Criminal and National Security Law, the Senior 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 Senior Policy Lawyer will be primarily responsible for providing secretariat support to the Law Council’s National Criminal Law Committee and National Security Working Group. As such, this is a unique opportunity to work closely with eminent legal practitioners in these areas.
The Senior Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills. The Senior Policy Lawyer will also have the ability to manage projects and to supervise junior staff members if required. The position also requires a solid understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems and an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the Commonwealth level.
In recent years, this role has had a focus on proposals for new Commonwealth criminal offences particularly where they involve an extension of criminal liability and/or strict liability; statutory reviews of aspects of Australia’s counter-terrorism framework; sentencing issues including mandatory sentencing; reforms to criminal procedure at the Commonwealth level and powers of Federal law enforcement and intelligence gathering agencies.
Duties and responsibilities
Analysing legal and public policy issues and drafting advice on balanced, respected, independent and apolitical 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. Adapts communication to the knowledge, experience and expectations of the audience.
Managing relationships and working with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, Sections and Constituent Bodies to develop comprehensive policy positions.
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.
Preparing briefings for/participating in Parliamentary and external inquiry hearings.
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 proactive policy development projects as determined by the Law Council.
Takes responsibility for timely delivery of individual and team outcomes.
Enhances own strengths and addresses weaknesses. Maintains a continuous improvement approach to individual and team work.
Supervising staff as required.
Other duties as required.
Selection criteria
An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Postgraduate qualifications are considered highly desirable. Candidates who have been admitted to legal practice in Australia will be preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to access to justice and rule of law issues and solutions.
Strong understanding in legal policy and/or legal practice experience in criminal law and/or national security.
Demonstrated experience in advanced statutory interpretation. Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills.
High-level written and oral communication skills.
Strategic and innovative problem solving skills. Proven ability to develop responses to complex legal and policy issues.
A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage conflicting priorities and to work within tight deadlines, independently and with 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.
Four to five years’ post-admission experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.
Must be Canberra-based to allow collaborative work.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Policy Lawyer Criminal And National Security Law position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Canberra offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.