AddressThe newly created State Litigation Office presents an exciting opportunity to regularly appear in courts of superior jurisdiction and assist to contemporise the management of civil litigation relevant to the State. As part of regularly appearing in court, including sustained periods of time at final hearings, you will engage with stakeholders and employees to ensure that the State’s civil litigation practice is conducted as efficiently and effectively as is reasonably possible.
The Assistant State Litigator will provide support and assistance to the State Litigator by providing expert civil legal advice and litigation services to the State of Tasmania. its instrumentalities and agencies. You will support the State Litigator to ensure the achievement of corporate goals through planning, organising, directing, and controlling resources; and managing and implementing change to build organisational capability and responsiveness through the encouragement of professional development, creativity, teamwork, flexibility and adaptability.
A critical function of the role is ensuring an understanding of the impact of trauma and harm is embedded in all areas of the State’s legal system, and that all matters are dealt with sensitively and with the utmost respect and consideration for victim survivors. This position is best suited to a skilled practitioner with highly developed court, advocacy and management skills including in leading and managing the performance of a professional team including skills in performance management, team building and participation, mentoring and resource management. More information is provided below and within the Statement of Duties.
We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people living with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, mature age workers and LGBTIQ+ people.
The Department of Justice supports reasonable adjustment requests in any stage of the assessment process to remove barriers and facilitate full participation in all aspects of employment for applicants with disability. If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in an interview or recruitment activity, please inform the contact listed at the end of this vacancy.
We are a diverse and inclusive workplace and understand the importance of flexible working arrangements. Talk to us about how this could work for you.
Period of AppointmentFixed term for a period of up to 5 years
Hours per fortnight73.50 hours per fortnight - flexible options available.
Duties- Advise State Agencies and Instrumentalities in relation to complex, critical, and novel litigation matters.
- Act as Solicitor and Counsel in the most complex, critical, novel and sensitive civil law matters involving the State and its Agencies before any Commonwealth or State Court, Tribunal or Board and in such other matters as directed by the State Litigator before any Commonwealth or State Court, Tribunal or Board.
- Undertake comprehensive legal research in an efficient manner.
- Prepare and present legal education seminars to professional audiences on a broad range of legal topics.
- Support the State Litigator to ensure the achievement of corporate goals through planning, organising, directing, and controlling resources; and managing and implementing change to build organisational capability and responsiveness through the encouragement of professional development, creativity, teamwork, flexibility and adaptability.
- To provide professional supervision to all legal practitioners in the Office of the State Litigator including guiding, mentoring, coaching and performance management.
- To act as solicitor and counsel in such other matters involving the State and its Agencies as may be directed by State Litigator.
- To supervise the briefing of Solicitors and Counsel in appropriate matters.
- To act in the position of State Litigator on appropriate occasions.
- To engage with all stakeholders to promote the effective operation of the State Litigation Office.
- Assist the State Litigator as required.
- Admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a Barrister or Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
- A Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status – Employment), under the Registration to Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013.
The Head of State Service has determined that the person nominated for this vacancy is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment, promotion or transfer.
The following checks are to be conducted:
1. Pre-employment checks
• Arson and fire setting
• Violent crimes and crimes against the person
• Sex-related offences
• Drug and alcohol related offences
• Crimes involving dishonesty
• Crimes involving deception
• Making false declarations
• Malicious damage and destruction to property
• Serious traffic offences
• Crimes against public order or relating to the Administration of Law and Justice
• Crimes against Executive or the Legislative Power
• Crimes involving Conspiracy
2. Disciplinary action in previous employment.
3. Identification check.
Desirable Requirements- At least 10 years’ experience in legal practice relevant to the duties of the position.
- Tribunal, board and/or adjudication experience.
Statement of Duties (357922) Assistant State Litigator.docx
Statement of Duties (357922) Assistant State Litigator.pdf
About the Department of Justice (Crown Law).DOCX
About the Department of Justice (Crown Law).pdf
Information for Applicants (DOJ).doc
Information for Applicants (DOJ).pdf
How to applyOnline applications are preferred, please click the 'Apply Now' button. You will be prompted to complete an online application form and to attach your cover letter, resume and selection criteria responses. Please note, attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Please note if you submit the details of your referees with your application the Selection Panel may contact them without notifying you.
-or-
Post your application with the following application form to:
Human Resources
Department of Justice
GPO Box 825
HOBART TAS 7001
Mark Rapley
State Litigator
***********@justice.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 61653***
Organisational Development and Design Team
(03) 6165 7***
