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Position vacant: Policy Lawyer

Wednesday, 23 December 2020

Position vacant: Policy Lawyer

The ACT Law Society is looking to employ a Policy Lawyer to support the Society’s policy/special interest committees in contributing to strategic policy and advocacy for the legal profession in the ACT. This is an opportunity to work as part of a highly regarded organisation and with leading local lawyers in a range of practice areas and to contribute to legal policy and legislative change in the ACT.

  • 2+ years PAE
  • $77,000 plus super
  • Full time; flexible working arrangements available; job share negotiable
  • Applications close Friday 22 January 2021

About the ACT Law Society

The ACT Law Society is the peak body for legal practitioners in the ACT. The Society’s role is to represent, advance, and defend the interests of an independent legal profession in the ACT. We also exist to protect the public interest in the ACT system of justice through the efficient regulation of the profession, in accordance with the Legal Profession Act and the Solicitors Conduct Rules.

We are a small, dedicated and supportive team of staff working with our more than 2,500 members across all parts of the legal profession in the ACT. The Society’s policy/special interest committees contribute to the policy and advocacy work of the Society. Currently there are 15 policy/special interest committees. 

About the role

The Policy Lawyer reports to the CEO and provides legal policy advice and secretariat support to a number of the Society’s policy/special interest committees. 

The position provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to further develop and apply skills in critical thinking, policy analysis and strategic relationship management. 

The successful candidate will hold a qualification in law and have excellent interpersonal and communications ability, strong legal policy and research skills, and demonstrate personal integrity and attention to detail. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Supporting designated committees:

  • performing secretariat duties including scheduling meetings, ensuring the timely completion and distribution of agenda, minutes and committee reports
  • identifying issues for committee consideration, in consultation with the relevant Committee Chair, CEO and President, as appropriate
  • liaising with practitioners, Society staff and external bodies on issues arising from Committee meetings

Law reform, advocacy and policy development work, including monitoring changes in the legislative environment, undertaking research, preparing submissions to government and other inquiries, and preparing policy positions.

Working with committees to prepare practitioner guidance on relevant areas of law.

Perform other duties as directed and necessary for the proper performance of the role.

Selection criteria

  • A bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum
  • 2-3 years’ experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work with a sound level of legal knowledge across a range of legal specialties
  • Experience in policy development and advisory work including drafting submissions and legal research
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated strategic judgement and analytical skills
  • Strong organisation and time management skills with ability to work to tight deadlines
  • Ability to cultivate productive working relationships
  • Ability to work both cooperatively within a team and independently with minimal supervision, as appropriate
  • High level computer skills
  • Experience preparing agendas and taking minutes desirable

How to apply

Applications should be made to mail@actlawsociety.asn.au with “POLICY LAWYER” in the subject line. Applications must include a current CV, details of two referees and a two-page statement addressing the selection criteria. 

Enquiries about the role can be made via the same email or (02) 6274 0300. 

Closing date for applications is Friday 22 January 2021.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.