AddressThe Department:
The Queensland resources sector is changing. The Department of Resources juggles new demands, rapid changes and shifts in community knowledge and expectation. The Department plays an active role in the delivery of key government priorities, such as the implementation of a renewable energy economy, assisting in Path to Treaty, recognition of Native Title Rights and capitalising on our resources for sustainable economic prosperity.
The Queensland resources sector is changing. The Department of Resources juggles new demands, rapid changes and shifts in community knowledge and expectation. The Department plays an active role in the delivery of key government priorities, such as the implementation of a renewable energy economy, assisting in Path to Treaty, recognition of Native Title Rights and capitalising on our resources for sustainable economic prosperity.
About the role:
The Chief Counsel role forms part of the Business and Corporate Partnership Team within the Department of Resources, which will lead the analysis, advice and guidance of all legal functions and operations, for three Queensland Government departments: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Resources and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
The Chief Counsel role forms part of the Business and Corporate Partnership Team within the Department of Resources, which will lead the analysis, advice and guidance of all legal functions and operations, for three Queensland Government departments: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Resources and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
Through a team of professional legal experts, you will lead outcomes focused independent legal services, covering three distinct legal areas: Commercial Law; Advice and Litigation; Appeals and Prosecutions, for three diverse government departments. This role will see you:
- Provide independent legal advice and services to the Minister, the Directors-General, and senior executive management of each department on highly sensitive issues across a range of legal matters;
- Lead and develop a team of commercial, appeals and litigation legal professionals to provide quality legal advice and services that is accurate, timely and efficient;
- Provide input to corporate support functions, to ensure that each department's goals and objectives are achieved in compliance with those pieces of legislation relevant to Administrative Law, Public Law and corporate governance issues;
- Implement, maintain and improve systems, methods and procedures to facilitate efficiency in the operation of In-house Legal and exercise initiative and respond quickly and effectively to non-routine, urgent matters requiring legal advice;
- Together with officers of Crown Law and external providers, project manage complex litigation and the provisions of complex legal advice on behalf of departmental clients, along with principal carriage of contentious or complex court proceedings and if necessary, the ability to make personal court appearances in various jurisdictions;
- Provide strategic advice on legislation relevant to the departments and how it applies to their business practices and policies, and feedback on the outcomes of legal proceedings in relation to the need for any new or amending legislation administered by the departments;
- Prepare instructions to the Crown Solicitor or external providers of legal services on complex matters that clearly define the terms of reference for the assignment;
- Actively participate and provide strategic advice as a member of key departmental committees which underpin the departments’ governance structures to promote strong corporate governance and organisational integrity;
- Build strong and productive relationships with stakeholders and external legal providers;
- Lead a financially sustainable workforce by implementing a right size organisational structure to deliver key outcomes effectively and efficiently within agreed budget allocation and achieving necessary priorities;
- Ensure the development and promotion of an integrated and flexible organisation in line with corporate strategic planning and performance targets;
- Other duties as directed and required.
To be considered for this role you will have:
- the gravitas, credibility, emotional intelligence and ability to influence effectively at an executive and operational level across multiple agencies;
- experience in developing an effective legal service delivery business model, including demonstrated oversight and leadership of a legal function in a General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Head of Legal or equivalent role;
- excellent stakeholder management experience, ideally including experience advising government clients or working in the government providing you an understanding of the public sector;
- 10+ years’ post-admission experience (PAE); and
- admission or eligibility for admission to practise as a solicitor or barrister in Queensland within three months of appointment.
Awaiting you is:
- an executive leadership role to lead the legal function of these three government departments;
- good work hours and generous leave entitlements;
- flexible work arrangements; and
- a competitive salary + 12.75% super.
Applying online through the Smart jobs and careers website www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au is the preferred means to submit an application. To do this, access the 'apply online' facility on the Smart jobs and careers website. You will need to create a 'My SmartJob' account before submitting your online application.
The link to the SmartJobs ad can be found here -
https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=14904&in_jnCounter=222776001
Peppercorn Recruitment has been exclusively retained to recruit this role. All third party applications will be forwarded to Peppercorn Recruitment for consideration in the process.
Additional information
- Drive outcome focused legal services across a broad range of complex priorities
- Combine your leadership mindset, strong credibility, integrity + technical legal
- Competitive salary + benefits + flexibility
