Principal Policy Lawyer | Human Rights Team

Job Description

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. This is a Canberra-based role. Please do not apply if you intend to work remotely. About the Division The Policy Division performs a critical role in a prestigious national peak organisation, coordinating 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. In our work we champion the rule of law and its effective delivery as the foundation of a just legal system and aim to lead law reform and legal policy discussions with expertise at the national level. We also advocate on behalf of the Law Council’s Constituent Bodies and in turn the legal profession. Our objective is to provide the federal government and other stakeholders with balanced, respected, independent and apolitical policy positions. The Law Council’s Policy Division is extremely fast-paced and requires dynamic, intellectual individuals with problem-solving skills and a desire to promote positive change, while defending important institutions and 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 Principal Policy Lawyer is a key member of the Law Council’s Legal Policy Division, reporting directly to the General Manager of Policy. This role involves leading the Human Rights team and managing a small group of policy lawyers dedicated to this work. While having primary responsibility in the above areas, the Principal 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. As such, this is a unique opportunity to work closely with eminent legal practitioners in relevant areas. The Principal Policy Lawyer will have outstanding legal skills. They will have professional experience interpreting and writing about Commonwealth legislation. They will have experience working in one or more of the areas of the law for which the Human Rights team is responsible. They will have at least a working knowledge of international human rights law. The Principal Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills. The Principal Policy Lawyer will have experience managing projects and supervising junior staff members. The position also requires an advanced understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems, as well as an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the Commonwealth level. This role is suitable for a legal professional who is keen to apply their advanced understanding of the Australian legal system to a venerable institution with the objective of defending and protecting the rule of law in the public interest. Duties and responsibilities Leading the Human Rights team of the Policy Division. Analysing legal and public policy issues and providing advice to the General Manager of Policy on balanced, respected, independent and apolitical 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. Adapts communication to the knowledge, experience and expectations of the audience. Managing relationships and working with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, sections and Constituent Bodies to develop comprehensive policy positions and on frequent submissions. 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. 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. Developing and strengthening relationships with governments and stakeholders. Representing the Law Council at meetings with governments and non-government organisations. Preparing briefings for/participating in Parliamentary and external inquiry hearings. Drafting speeches, media releases, articles, and briefings for the Law Council and external publications. Preparing correspondence for Law Council office holders and senior managers. Reporting to the Law Council Directors on matters affecting the Australian legal profession. Managing specific proactive policy development and broader projects as determined by the Law Council. Enhances own strengths and addresses weaknesses. Maintains a continuous improvement approach to individual and team work. Other duties as required. Selection criteria A bachelor’s degree in law or policy development as a minimum. Post-graduate qualifications are considered highly desirable. Candidates who have been admitted to legal practice in Australia will be preferred. Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills and demonstrated experience in advanced statutory interpretation. Professional experience interpreting and writing about Commonwealth legislation. A strong knowledge of several of the following areas of the law: international human rights law, anti-discrimination law, migration law, First Nations people and the law, administrative law, and climate change and the law. High-level written and oral communication skills. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills. Proven ability to develop responses to complex legal and policy issues. A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems, particularly at the Commonwealth level. The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and minimal supervision. Strong and consistent work ethic and demonstrated ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented workplace culture. A focus on quality and attention to detail. Demonstrated project and staff management skills, including a demonstrated ability to lead and manage a small team. At least seven years’ post-admission experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work. Must be Canberra-based to allow collaborative work. How to apply After carefully reviewing the duties and responsibilities within the Position Description, applicants should outline their suitability and interest in the role, and submit an application together with a cover letter (maximum one page), responses to Selection Criteria (maximum three pages) and current CV to by 5.00pm Friday, 21 February 2025 . Contact Any questions about the role, please contact Emma Hilton on 02 6246 3759or via email, The Law Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr