Senior Policy Lawyer - Human Rights Team

About the Law Council of Australia 

The Law Council of Australia represents the legal profession at the national level, to speak on behalf of its Constituent Bodies on national issues and to promote the administration of justice, access to justice and general improvement of the law.  

The Law Council advises governments, courts, and federal agencies on ways in which the law and the justice system can be improved for the benefit of the community. The Law Council also represents the Australian legal profession overseas and maintains close relationships with legal professional bodies throughout the world. 

The Law Council was established in 1933 and represents 16 Australian state and territory law societies and bar associations and the Law Firms Australia, which are known collectively as the Council’s Constituent Bodies.  

The Secretariat serves the Law Council nationally and is based in Canberra. 
 

About the division 

The Policy Division in a prestigious national peak organisation, which coordinates strategic policy and advocacy for the legal profession on critical issues affecting access to justice, the administration of justice, regulatory policy, rule of law and Human Rights.  

About the team 

The Human Rights Team is responsible for legal policy development and advocacy on a wide range of legal and public policy issues. The team has responsibility for federal Human Rights issues (including business and Human Rights), First Nations people and the law, migration law, equal opportunity in the legal profession, and climate change and environmental legal issues.  

About the role 

The Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues, with a focus on Human Rights issues relating to climate change and the environment.   

While having primary responsibility in Human Rights Law, the Senior Policy Lawyer will be expected to work in, or assist, in all areas of the Law Council’s policy endeavours. The position will also be required to work closely with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, sections and Constituent Bodies.  

The Senior Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills. The Senior Policy Lawyer will also have the ability to manage projects and to supervise junior staff members. The position also requires a solid understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems, as well as an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the national level.   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Analysing legal and public policy issues and drafting advice on realistic policy options for the Law Council to adopt and advocate. 
• Communicating and presenting information in writing and orally in a clear, logical and insightful way. 
• Managing relationships and working with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, Sections and Constituent Bodies to develop comprehensive policy positions. 
• Researching and drafting papers and submissions to governments and non-government about current legislative or policy initiatives within set timeframes. 
• Monitoring the domestic and international environment to identify issues likely to have an impact on the Australian legal profession or areas of the Law Council’s policy focus. 
• Assisting in the developing and strengthening of relationships with governments and stakeholders. 
• Representing the Law Council at meetings with governments and non-government organisations. 
• Drafting speeches, media releases, articles, and briefings for the Law Council and external publications. 
• Preparing and assisting with correspondence for Law Council office holders and senior managers. 
• Reporting to the Law Council Directors on matters affecting the Australian legal profession. 
• Managing specific projects as determined by the Law Council;  
• Supervising staff as required.  
• Other duties as required.   

Selection Criteria  

1. An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Postgraduate qualifications are considered highly desirable. 
2. A strong knowledge and/or experience in Human Rights legal issues;  
3. High-level written and oral communication skills;  
4. Excellent judgement and analytical skills;   
5. A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems;  
6. Advanced legal research, policy and advocacy skills;  
7. The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and with minimal supervision;  
8. Strong and consistent work ethic and demonstrated ability to foster a positive, collaborative and team-oriented workplace culture;  
9. A focus on quality and attention to detail;  
10. Demonstrated project and staff management skills; and  
11. Three to five years’ experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work. 

Please send applications via Seek, with a copy of your current CV and a cover letter responding to the selection criteria. Any questions regarding the role may be sent to Jessica May, Human Resources Advisor, at jessica.may@lawcouncil.au. Applications close on the 22nd of March.