HR/IR jobs

Legal Officer

Role: Legal Officer
Union: Mining and Energy Union – QLD District

We are looking to employ a Legal Officer to be based in our Brisbane office. The vacancy is for a permanent position, subject to the successful completion of a probationary period.

The successful applicant will work as part of an in-house legal team under the day-to-day supervision of the Administration Committee and in conjunction with the Mining and Energy Union’s legal team in the National Office.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate, as we are looking for someone who is interested in a long-term career as a legal advocate for workers. Whilst we are looking for a job-ready legal officer, we will also consider applications from particularly talented new graduates.

Essential requirements:

To be the successful applicant you must have the following attributes:

• A commitment to unionism and a belief in social justice.

• A law degree and a practising certificate recognised in Queensland (or eligibility to obtain same).

• Knowledge of Australian industrial relations, labour law and employment law.

• Effective advocacy skills.

• Ability to prepare barrister briefs and to act as an instructing solicitor.

• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision against well resourced opponents.

• Ability to use plain English when communicating complex legal issues.

• A willingness to travel inter-State, including to regional or remote locations as required.


Desirable attributes:

You will have an advantage in applying for this position if you have one or more of the following attributes:

• Previous experience working for a trade union or labour law firm.

• Prior experience in industrial and employment tribunals and courts.

• Some knowledge of, or experience in the mining and energy industries.

• Prior involvement in the labour movement or progressive community organisations.

• The ability to conduct high-level legal research.

• Relevant post-graduate studies.

• Demonstrated skills in writing submissions and journal articles.


Terms and conditions of employment:

Subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, the position is a permanent full time role.

Employment conditions will provide amongst the best salary, superannuation and conditions of employment of any equivalent role in the union movement. Full details of proposed salary and entitlements will be provided to short-listed applicants.

The position of Legal Officer with the Mining & Energy Union – QLD District represents an excellent career option for the successful applicant. Wherever practical, we attempt to provide flexible work arrangements to enable employees to meet their family and community responsibilities.

The union is regularly involved in leading-edge litigation in the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Court of Australia, the High Court of Australia and relevant State courts and tribunals.

Subject to the availability of the successful applicant, the position is to commence on 14 March 2022.

How to apply:

Applications close on 11 February 2022

Applications consisting of a cover letter addressing the above criteria and a resume/CV should be forwarded by email as follows:

Ms. C Vailepa
Legal Assistant
Mining and Energy Union – QLD
Level 2, 61 Bowen St
Spring Hill, QLD, 4000

Email: reception@cfmeuqld.asn.au


All applications will be treated confidentially