Principle Legal Officer

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is an Australian Government agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio, operating under the Australian Law Reform Commission Act 1996 (Cth), and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

Our Opportunity

Role and expectations of the successful candidate:
Principal Legal Officers (PLOs) report to the General Counsel and contribute at the highest level to the ALRC’s objective?informed government decisions about the development, reform and harmonisation of Australian laws and related processes through research, analysis, reports, community consultation and education.

PLOs support the ALRC in achieving this outcome by leading, with the direction of the President and Commissioners, a law reform inquiry team that is well managed and that delivers sound law reform recommendations in well written reports. PLOs manage Inquiry staff, demonstrate high-level efficient and effective project management, exhibit advanced communication skills, complete high-level research and analysis, and develop evidence-based policy and law reform recommendations.

PLOs demonstrate a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the ALRC, as well as the statutory, regulatory and compliance frameworks that inform its activities.

PLOs show judgement, intelligence and professionalism and are able to use their considerable experience to find solutions to complex legal and policy problems and issues.

Who are we looking for?
We seek people who have exceptional legal research skills, are collaborative, and are willing to explore innovative ways of working. People who work for us will display leadership at all levels, work well with diverse stakeholders, and apply information effectively in order to solve problems.

Specific requirements of the role:

• Lead, under the direction of the President, Commissioners and General Counsel, a law reform inquiry team that delivers sound law reform recommendations in well written reports;
• Lead and manage a team of legal officers and researchers to successfully support law reform inquiries;
• Contribute to the writing of ALRC consultation papers and final reports;
• Undertake detailed legal research to inform the ALRC’s understanding of the field under inquiry using a range of research tools;
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to develop policy and law reform responses; and
• Understand issues that are of strategic, political and operational significance to the ALRC and contribute to the strategic planning of the ALRC.

As an ALRC employee, you will:

• work on innovative law reform projects
• be part of an inclusive and diverse work environment
• receive a generous starting salary and work conditions and
• benefit from supportive learning and development

Selection Criteria

1. Five or more years’ experience in the areas of legal research, legal practice or policy development.
2. Proven legal research skills and experience.
3. Proven ability to write clear and concise documents, to clearly articulate complex ideas and concepts and to communicate with influence.
4. High level analytical and conceptual skills in policy development and implementation within a government, academic or related framework.
5. Proven high level capacity to lead a team.
6. Ability to work independently, to prioritise tasks and to set schedules in order to meet specified deadlines.
7. Capacity to represent the ALRC externally to a range of stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria

8. A post-graduate degree in law.

How to apply

Applications are to be emailed to: HR@alrc.gov.au

For further information about the role please contact:
Name: Matt Corrigan
Email: HR@alrc.gov.au
Phone: 07 3052 4224

Application close at 11:55pm AEST on 26 October 2022.