Multiple lawyer positions (Junior Lawyer / Lawyer / Senior Lawyer)

We are seeking to fill Multiple lawyer positions within the Legal Compliance & Enforcement Branches. The roles that are available are:

• Junior Lawyer (APS Level 4) - $80,267 to $87,064 plus 15.4% superannuation
• Lawyer (APS Level 5 – 6) - $89,426 to $111,296 plus 15.4% superannuation
• Senior Lawyer (Executive Level 1) - $123,114 to $132,866 plus 15.4% superannuation.

You will be asked which role(s) you are applying for in your online application. You should carefully consider the selection criteria and qualifications/experience requirements for each role. 

Positions will be available across our Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney offices, on a part-time or full-time basis. All locations are subject to operational and capacity requirements. Operational needs will often require you to work part of the week in the office but flexibility requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

A merit list may also be formed through this recruitment process which may be used to fill upcoming vacancies that arise over the next 18 months.

About the OFWO

The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act). Our functions outline the responsibilities we have as set by the Fair Work Act and other legislation to achieve our purpose:

• provide education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations
• promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws
• inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act
• take appropriate enforcement action
• perform our statutory functions efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically.

What our employees say about us

We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.  

What we offer you

We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to: 

• Great training and development opportunities 
• A diverse range of work
• Generous leave and flexible working arrangements 
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free counselling service for you and your family 
• A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation. 

We Value Diversity 

OFWO has been accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace since 2011. We are also members of the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity. We encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for employment with the OFWO you must be an Australian citizen. 
• The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain a Baseline security clearance. 

A range of other conditions may be required depending on the role you are applying for.

About the Legal Compliance and Enforcement (LC&E) Branches 

The OFWO has two LC&E Branches comprising four busy teams of legal professionals who work collaboratively to progress a high volume of civil penalty litigation relating to Commonwealth workplace relations laws. We work with internal stakeholders to identify and progress compliance and enforcement outcomes, including significant litigation matters involving large corporations, serious contraventions and complex legal issues. As part of this process, we advise on the progress of investigations and different enforcement options, and the implementation of legislative reform within the OFWO’s jurisdiction. Lawyers in our practice work on cases where in-house lawyers are solicitors on the record, as well as having the opportunity to work with external counsel and solicitors.

Typical Duties 

As a Junior Lawyer (APS Level 4), you will have the opportunity to build and develop your capability by: 

• contributing to civil penalty litigation matters that shape the law and deter non-compliance, including appearing or instructing in Court
• providing legal advice relating to OFWO’s functions, investigations and enforcement activites  
• working with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, Courts and the wider public sector 
• being part of a responsive and dynamic Agency committed to innovation. 

As a Lawyer (APS Level 5-6) you will have the opportunity to: 

• contribute to and conduct civil penalty litigation proceedings that shape the law and deter non-compliance, including appearing in Court and drafting a wide range of Court documents
• provide practical legal advice relating to the OFWO’s functions, investigations and enforcement activities
• develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders and work with a broad cross-section of external stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, government departments, Courts and the wider public sector
• be part of a responsive and dynamic Agency committed to innovation. 

As aSenior Lawyer (Executive Level 1) you will have the opportunity to:

• lead the management of civil penalty litigations with limited supervision, having carriage of significant litigation matters and appeals, and instructing external legal providers
• provide and settle complex strategic and legal advice relating to the OFWO’s functions, investigations and enforcement activities
• lead, supervise and mentor more Junior Lawyers within the team to enhance their capabilities and achieve effective outcomes 
• settle work prepared by more Junior Lawyers (including complex legal advice and Court documents, as relevant) 
• contribute to the leadership of the Legal Group, including through continuous improvement and innovation projects.

What we are looking for 

We are seeking exceptional lawyers with a can-do attitude who are agile and adaptable and who are committed to achieving fairness in Australian workplaces. 

You will need to hold a degree in Law from an Australian university (or overseas equivalent qualification) and admission, or eligibility for admission, to the Supreme Court in your State and the High Court of Australia. You will need to have (or be able to obtain) a practising certificate.

Junior Lawyers (APS Level 4)

As a Junior Lawyer, you will generally have up to 1 year post-qualification practice experience, and/or other translatable experience in workplace relations or regulatory contexts. Litigation experience will be highly regarded. You will be able to communicate clearly and appropriately for the intended audience and demonstrate initiative and accountability for your matters. 

Lawyers (APS Levels 5-6)  

As an APS 5 lawyer, you will have at least 1-3 years of post-qualification practice experience working as a lawyer and as an APS 6 lawyer, more than 3 years of post-qualification practice experience. Please note: the APS 5 level is not a graduate position.

You will have excellent oral and written communication skills and a track record of delivering strong outcomes within short time frames or competing priorities.

At the APS 6 level you will also be capable of providing practical legal advice on a range of complex issues and be able to produce quality work autonomously, demonstrating good judgment and risk management. You will also be able to help develop more Junior Lawyers’ skills and capabilities.

Senior Lawyers (Executive Level 1)

You will have strong legal, leadership and management skills. You will communicate with influence and have a proven capacity to exercise sound legal and strategic judgment and manage risk. 

You must have substantial experience in litigation, workplace relations and/or regulatory law (other translatable experience will be considered) and be capable of independently leading litigation. You will be able to provide practical and strategic advice in relation to complex workplace relations and/or investigative issues. 

You will generally have at least 5 years of relevant post-qualification experience working as a lawyer. You will be required to have a practising certificate without a supervised legal practice condition (or ability to obtain the same).

How to Apply 

If you are excited about this opportunity, please tell us in no more than 800 words:

• Why you want to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience address the requirements of this role. Please describe and provide practical examples.

Please note: when applying, you will be asked which role(s) you wish to be considered for. Your 800 word response should be pitched at the most senior level you apply for.  

All applications must be submitted via our online application system through the OFWO website. 

If you have any questions about this recruitment exercise, please email ***********@fwo.gov.au.

*Please ensure you check your junk mail throughout the recruitment process, as sometimes our emails sent from our online system end up in junk mail folders.* 

Applications close 11:00pm (AEST) Tuesday 23 April 2024. 

More Information 

• Working with us and tips on applying, visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/careers 
• Office of the OFWO purpose and functions, visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/our-role-and-purpose  
• Office locations, visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/offices