In-house lawyer

Located in the heart of Melbourne's legal precinct, the Victorian Bar is the professional association representing over 2,200 barristers in Victoria. The Bar is a busy, thriving community comprising barristers, clerks and support staff.

We are looking for an in-house lawyer to join our team. Reporting to the Senior In-House Legal Counsel, this opportunity will suit a lawyer seeking a generalist in-house role, which will see you working effectively at various levels within the organisational and membership structure.

In particular, the role's key responsibilities include:

1. providing governance, risk and regulatory compliance-related support and advice;
2. assisting with the implementation of the Bar’s strategies, special projects and development programs intended to meet the objectives of the Bar’s strategic plan; 
3. providing support to the Senior In-house Legal Counsel, Executive Director, Bar Council and Bar Committees;
4. contributing to key projects at the Bar; and
5. establishing and maintaining the Bar’s relationship with critical stakeholders.

Governance, risk and compliance

• Advise on a wide range of complex and sensitive issues, including with respect to legislative, financial, strategic, governance, risk and compliance considerations.
• Report on membership matters requiring analysis of Victorian Bar governing documents and relevant legislation.
• Assist the Senior In-house Legal Counsel with the preparation of Bar Council papers and Bar Committee papers.
• Assist to review and update the Bar’s internal policies, procedures and frameworks.
• Provide legal support to the Bar to exercise its regulatory functions under the Uniform Law delegated by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner, including the assessment of applications for barrister practising certificates. 
• Ensure ongoing compliance with the Victorian Bar’s obligations under its Professional Standards Scheme and associated legislation. 
• Assist with the Bar’s annual audit and reporting functions, including Professional Standards Scheme audit and barristers’ clerks audit.
• Assist the Company Secretary in fulfilling obligations under the Associations Incorporations Reform Act.

Committee and member support 

• Attend Bar Committee meetings as required to provide legal and administrative support.
• Ensure best practice standards are met and the purposes of the committees are realised.
• Provide reports and participate proactively to assist committees in ensuring outcomes are met.
• General member support

Strategic initiatives and special projects

• Assist in the development and coordination of strategic initiatives and special projects, including risk-focused projects and educational projects and reviews.
• Assist in overseeing initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing member practices and professional standards.

Key selection criteria:

To be considered for this role you will have the following key skills –

• Strong legal research and drafting skills
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
• Excellent communication skills and ability to adapt to a wide variety of audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Well-developed negotiation skills and attention to detail
• Highly efficient and self-motivated with an ability to multi-task
• High level of integrity and professionalism to support the Bar’s values
• Experience in regulatory advice work desirable, but not essential

Qualifications and experience

This role will suit a legally qualified professional with a minimum of three years PQE. The ideal candidate will have a growth mindset and be keen to support the improved delivery of legal and regulatory functions at the Bar. You will have knowledge of corporate governance principles, strategic planning, financial management, organisation procedures and practices. 

This is a permanent part-time or full-time role offering competitive benefits and will provide significant scope for development for someone who is passionate, self-driven, and eager to contribute to a collaborative team.

To apply:

To be considered for this role, please submit your resume together with a covering letter including your experience and interest in the position.

Applications close on COB Monday, 26 February 2024.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Victorian Bar is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age. People from all cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.