The Role

Our client is seeking experienced Senior Legal Officers for an initial 6 to 12 month secondment to support the Dispute Resolution Branch within a high profile Commonwealth department.  The Branch undertakes legal advising and litigation functions including advising on a range of complex issues.

The Responsibilities

The position requires the successful candidate to provide general legal advice and to:

• deliver high quality legal services that meet client expectations, taking into consideration legal and non-legal risks;  
• have sound decision-making and judgement to manage a litigation caseload to an appropriate outcome, with the legal nous necessary to produce or support our legal service providers to develop a range of legal documents (statement of claims, agreements, affidavits);
• in a very complex environment support a team of lawyers and non-lawyers to oversee a litigation caseload efficiently;
• anticipate and respond to stakeholder needs and expectations, and consider how issues can be challenged constructively;
• promote the advancement of professional legal expertise, through participation in development, training and study opportunities;
• supervise and support other section members including contributing to the setting of the direction of work priorities and practices and monitoring work flow for legal support staff as required; and
• contribute to the implementation of reforms and improvement programs required as a result of a recent Royal Commission.

The Requirements

Legal qualifications, extensive experience working in a Commonwealth department’s litigation and dispute resolution section, a Baseline Clearance and a current practicing certificate are essential.

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