HR/IR jobs

Principal Lawyer

Location: Adelaide
Company: Fair Work Ombudsman
Website: http://fwocareers.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplication&returnToEvent=jobs.listJobs&jobid=4EAE812E-4E17-4CBF-9376-AD4A00D0C569&CurATC=EXT&CurBID=7A26A857%2D2489%2D432A%2D8C8A%2D9DB40135B546&JobListID=22FC4F47%2DE994%2D46A3%2DB8C9%2D9BC901269F43&jobsListKey=0852e0b2%2Ddd7e%2D41dc%2D8213%2Dc71ee53518f6&persistVariables=CurATC,CurBID,JobListID,jobsListKey,JobID&lid=68304840048
Apps close: Thursday 1st July 2021

Job Reference No: 21/082EA
Position Title: Principal Lawyer
Branch: Legal Branch
Location: Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Sydney
Employment Status: Full-Time or Part-Time
Employment Type: Ongoing / Non-Ongoing (up to 12 months)
Classification: Executive Level 2
Salary Range: $129 851 to $151 894 plus 15.4% superannuation
Closing Date: 11.00pm (AEST) Thursday 1 July 2021

Who We Are
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act 2009. Our role is to promote harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and ensure compliance with Australian workplace laws. We are valued by the community for supporting compliant, productive and inclusive Australian workplaces and we deliver practical workplace relations advice and assistance.
The FWO Legal Branch are a busy team of professionals responsible for conducting civil penalty litigations relating to Commonwealth workplace relations laws. We work with internal stakeholders to identify and progress compliance and enforcement outcomes, including significant litigation matters. As part of this process, we advise on a wide range of workplace relations laws, instruments and emerging issues to support the business and the community. We also contribute to a range of innovative continuous improvement projects within the Agency.
The Opportunity
The role of Principal Lawyer is responsible for leading and managing a team of Senior Lawyers and Lawyers based across different States. You will be responsible for managing a team to support the FWO’s compliance and enforcement activities, including conducting civil penalty litigation matters under the Fair Work Act 2009, primarily in the Federal Circuit Court and the Federal Court.
You will have the opportunity to:
• Lead a team of lawyers and mentor colleagues to achieve outcomes;
• Independently manage the conduct of civil penalty litigations;
• Work with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, Courts and the wider public sector;
• Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders;
• Advise on workplace relations issues and provide practical advice on the FWO’s functions and statutory tools, investigations and enforcement activities;
• Be part of a responsive and dynamic Agency committed to innovation; and
• Be part of the Senior Leadership within the Agency and contribute to the achievement of the Agency’s strategic goals and priorities.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking exceptional leaders with a can-do attitude who are agile and adaptable and who are committed to achieving fairness in Australian workplaces.
You will have a minimum of 7 years of relevant post-admission experience. You will need to have experience in conducting litigation in the area of workplace relations. You will be capable of providing practical advice on a range of complex issues in the area of workplace relations and civil litigation, or a regulatory environment.
There will be a strong preference for candidates with experience in both conducting litigation and workplace relations /industrial relations law because the role requires a Principal Lawyer to supervise and develop the capabilities of a team of lawyers with expertise in these areas.
You will have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to effectively convey your opinion, position or counter-position. You will have the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, balance competing priorities and interests, and negotiate outcomes.
You will have a proven track-record of achieving results within short timeframes or under pressure.
You must be able to demonstrate:
• experience in leading and managing people in a legal environment;
• an advanced ability to identify and manage risk;
• an ability to conduct a cohesive legal practice autonomously and exercise a high degree of legal judgment in the conduct of litigation; and
• an ability to advise on complex workplace relations issues.
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 be required to have a practicing certificate without a supervised legal practice condition (or ability to obtain the same).

What We Offer
• A challenging, diverse and inclusive workplace and attractive remuneration package including generous employer superannuation contributions.
• The ability to practise as a lawyer in an in-house legal practice within a regulatory environment.
• Exciting and fulfilling work at the heart of government with great training, career development and networking opportunities difficult to find elsewhere.
• The opportunity to work with strong, smart, visionary and experienced leaders who encourage and support you to develop your interests and expertise.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the current vacancies page on the FWO’s website.
You will be asked to upload a pitch (no more than 800 words) telling us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best candidate for this opportunity. Please provide specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact the FWO Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@fwo.gov.au.
Applications close 11.00pm (AEST) Thursday 1 July 2021