Commercial Adviser – $944 to $1101 daily rate inc super – NV1 Clearance essential – 12 month contract, commencing ASAP – Canberra Location

The Role

Our client, is seeking an experienced Commercial Adviser to develop and lead the commercial strategy for a Commonwealth Department’s high-profile project. The Commercial Adviser will engage with the project team to identify, anticipate and respond to needs and expectations to achieve capability development, acquisition and sustainment outcomes. The Commercial Adviser will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex contract management work within an integrated workplace.

The Responsibilities

The key responsibilities will include:

• development and approval of internal approval documents such as Endorsement to Proceed, Liability Risk Assessment, Contract Negotiation Directive, S23 delegate submissions other internal approval documents as required;

• engagement with Material Procurement Branch for procurement and policy guidance;

• preparation of Draft Official Order (DOO) and associated contracting artefacts as required (i.e. Technical Data Software Restrictions (TDSR) Schedule);

• participate and contribute to collaborative workshops between the Commonwealth and the Contractor to refine final contracting artefacts;

• support contract negotiation activities; and

• contribute to the achievement of contract signature.

The Requirements

Experience working on large, high-profile Defence projects would be highly regarded.

Higher degree qualifications or relevant industry experience of more than 8 years with at least higher education sector accreditation at minimum advanced diploma level are desirable.

A current NV 1 security clearance at a minimum is essential.

Lawyers and Senior Lawyers – Commercial or Administrative Law | $840 to $1260 daily rate inc super | 12 month contract | Baseline Clearance essential

The Roles

Our client is seeking experienced Lawyers and Senior Lawyers to provide legal services and support within the Legal Services team of a high profile Commission.

The successful candidates are required to have experience and knowledge in:

• corporate and commercial law, or
• public law/administrative law.

The Responsibilities

The requires the successful candidates to provide general legal advice in the following areas:

• providing legal advice to the client areas,
• preparing or reviewing guidance materials,
• supporting the making of legislative instruments,
• providing support to the business areas supporting the role of the commission; and
• drafting or reviewing commercial documents as needed (e.g. contracts).

The Requirements

The successful candidates must have outstanding stakeholder engagement skills with a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic fast paced team environment, with a focus on quality service delivery to internal clients across a range of matters.

Legal qualifications, at least 1 to 2 years experience for the lawyer roles and 5 to 10+ years experience for the Senior Lawyer roles and a current practicing certificate are essential.

A background in government commercial and or public/administrative law in a regulatory environment would be highly regarded.

A current security clearance is essential.

Lawyer – Commercial/Generalist – $840 to $1260 daily rate including super – initial 13 month contract with the possibility of extension – Canberra Melbourne Brisbane or Sydney location

The Role

We currently have an opportunity within a Commonwealth Agency that is seeking an experienced Commercial or Generalist lawyer to work on a diverse range of legal matters. The Agency is seeking to engage a candidate that is comfortable working in a complex and changing environment with multiple stakeholders and have experience in, or be able to adapt to, delivering advice across a range of legal fields.

The Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be required to work as a secondee within the Commonwealth clients’ in-house legal team and some of the responsibilities will include:
• providing strategic and commercial legal advice on commercial, technology, procurement and property transactions, with a focus on protecting and advancing the Agency’s objectives;
• reviewing, drafting and assisting with negotiation on a wide range of commercial agreements on behalf of the Agency, presenting the agency’s position in the context of complex or sensitive issues;
• from time to time, assisting with dispute resolution matters, royal commissions, inquests, inquiries and employment-related matters;
• advising on the interpretation of a broad range of legislation and its application to the Agency;
• developing and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, engaging and collaborating to achieve outcomes; and
• monitoring emerging legal issues and identifying potential impacts on priorities and outcomes and contributing to risk management activities within the area of responsibility.

The Requirements

A current practising certificate and demonstrated experience in general / commercial legal practice with experience in a Commonwealth Government setting desirable.

The successful candidate must be an Australian citizen and be able to and be willing to complete any additional required security checks.

Paralegal | $360 daily rate including super | Initial 3 month contract with the possibility of an additional 12 months | Canberra or WFH considered

The Role

Our client is seeking an engaging Paralegal for an initial period of 3 months to be seconded to a federal government agency.

This positions will require the successful candidate to provide support for administrative review applications received by the agency through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

The Responsibilities

The successful applicant will ideally be in the advanced stages of completing tertiary qualifications in law or a related discipline.

The responsibilities for the role will include:
• providing high quality support and services to internal clients in the management and resolution of participant related reviews in the AAT;
• preparing tribunal documents and lodging them with the AAT;
• being timely, reliable and working under pressure;
• ensuring effective communication with team members and internal stakeholders; and
• assessing and responding to risk from processes, including in terms of privacy considerations and priority.

The Requirements

Previous experience with the AAT or in a federal government department would be highly regarded. Strong communication and IT Systems skills are essential.

This opportunity is within the Australian Public Service. In order to be considered, please note that candidates must be an Australian Citizen at time of application and be willing to undergo various security checks.

Lawyer – Legislation/Administrative Law – Baseline Clearance – $840 to $1260 daily rate including super – initial 7 month contract with the possibility of long term extensions – Canberra or Sydney location

The Role

We currently have an opportunity within a Commonwealth agency that is seeking an experienced legislation lawyer to work on a technology based legal project. The Agency is seeking to engage a candidate that has capability to identify legal and legislative opportunities for an enhanced technology platform program. This will include reviewing existing legal advice, identifying legislative gaps and blockers, and providing general legislative and policy advice.

The Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be required to work as a secondee within the Commonwealth clients’ in-house legal team.

Some of the responsibilities will require the successful candidate to:

• review existing legal advice and engage with stakeholders to identify if any proposed enhanced features of the platform cannot be delivered within existing policy and legislative settings and advise on potential solutions;
• support the development of a business case by engaging with stakeholders to identify legislative opportunities and determine preferred legislative pathways;
• review legislative barriers to support a business case, including costings for the legislative development process and consideration of issues such as delegated authorities and aggregation of data and content;
• engage with the Australian Government Solicitor to identify and resolve key constitutional issues;
• provide general legal and legislative advice to the business case team as required; and
• attend weekly and ad hoc meetings as required.

The Requirements

A current practising certificate, a baseline security clearance and experience advising on Commonwealth administrative law, legislative reform and statutory interpretation matters are essential.

The successful candidate must be an Australian citizen and be able to and be willing to complete any additional required security checks.

Paralegal | $330 to $560 daily rate including super (depending on skills and experience) | Initial contract until 30 June with the possibility of a long term extension | Full time preferred | Canberra

The Role
Our client is seeking an engaging Paralegal for an initial period of 3 months to be seconded to a federal government agency.
This position will require the successful candidates to provide support and manage administrative tasks in a division that is a fast paced, exciting environment dealing with numerous complex pieces of legislation.

The Responsibilities

The Paralegal will provide support across the Legal Divisions four legal branches.

The responsibilities for the roles will include:

• working closely with the Practice Manager and Principal Legal Officers to support the Chief Counsel and General Counsels across the division;
• tracking of legal expenditure and managing legal expenditure invoices and other expenses across the division;
• assisting with outsourcing of legal matters and liaising with external legal providers;
• working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including the procurement and accounts receivable teams, as well as client areas across the department;
• assisting with project work to support the legal branches and providing ad hoc administration support to lawyers, including preparing reports on legal work in the division;
• assisting with on boarding of new staff, contractors and legal secondees;
• triaging a legal help desk; and
• legal research and ad hoc paralegal tasks to support the work of the legal branches.

The Requirements

Previous experience in a federal government department and a current Baseline security clearance would be highly regarded.

The successful applicants will ideally be in the advanced stages of completing tertiary qualifications in law or a related discipline or have previous extensive experience as a Paralegal in a busy practice area.

Subpoena Clerk / Paralegal – $360 to $450 per day (inc super) – Baseline Clearance essential – 14 month Contract with possible extension.

Our client is seeking an engaging and experienced Subpoena Clerk/Paralegal to join a litigation team that supports a high profile Commonwealth Department.

The Role

The position will require the Subpoena Clerk / Paralegal to assist with supporting the litigation team with receipting and processing subpoenas.

The successful applicant will ideally have legal qualifications / be in the advanced stages of completing tertiary qualifications in law or a related discipline or have significant experience in working with subpoenas.

The Responsibilities

The role will require the Paralegal to:
• have extensive experience with and knowledge of court documents such as subpoenas, affidavits, applications and notices;
• be timely, reliable and work under pressure; and
• ensure effective communication with team members and internal stakeholders.

The Requirements

Previous experience working within a litigation environment ideally in a federal government department would be highly regarded. Strong communication and IT Systems skills are essential.

This is a security assessed position. Applicants must be an Australian citizen, with the successful candidate holding a current Baseline Government security clearance and be willing to undergo additional employment suitability checks.

Legal Practice Manager – 3 months – possible extension – Canberra Location – Baseline Clearance – $540 to $840 daily rate inc super

The Role

Our client, a high profile federal government department, is seeking an experienced Legal Practice Manager to provide a high degree of administrative support to enable the Agency’s Legal Group’s function of delivering quality, timely legal advice to the Agency’s Executive and business areas.

The Responsibilities

The position will require the successful candidate to set up the processes and procedures which would allow effective administrative support for the Group.
The successful candidate will be required to:

• undertake budget management activities (monitoring and reporting on resources and expenditure);
• manage procurement and contracts processing;
• coordinate internal and external reporting on behalf of the group;
• manage Group resources, including coordinating updates to templates, internet and intranet content, and managing the legal group files and database;
• assist with recruitment, staff movements and other human resources management activities;
• coordinate Group activities, such as in-house and external continuing professional development and training;
• manage stakeholder relationships with a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders;
• identify, implement and promote improved work practices for the group; and
• undertake any other administrative and operational tasks as required by the Agency.

The Requirements

Familiarity with the Commonwealth’s resource management framework and demonstrated experience managing procurement as well as experience in an administrative support role in a legal practice and or formal legal qualifications would be highly regarded.

A current Baseline security clearance is essential.

Commercial Adviser – $900 to $1079 daily rate inc super – NV1 Clearance essential – 12 month contract, commencing ASAP – Canberra Location

The Role

Our client, is seeking an experienced commercial adviser to develop and lead the commercial strategy for a Commonwealth Department’s high-profile project.  The commercial adviser will engage with the project team to identify, anticipate and respond to needs and expectations to achieve capability development, acquisition and sustainment outcomes. The commercial adviser will be accountable under broad direction to perform and achieve complex to very complex contract management work within an integrated workplace. 

The Duties

The key responsibilities will include:

• the provision of procurement planning, tendering and contract management activities, ensuring compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures;
• managing allocated resources, setting work area priorities, managing workflows, developing strategies and evaluating business outcomes;
• providing advice, direction, and assistance to the integrated project manager to support contract management and commercial strategy outcomes;
• supporting the integrated project manager in all contract negotiations, preparation of Contract Change Proposals, and contract performance/compliance measurement and management;
• engaging and negotiating with clients and stakeholders and responding to issues, taking the initiative to identify alternate action where necessary; and
• building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders including industry representatives.

The Requirements

Experience working on large, high-profile Defence projects would be highly regarded. 

Higher degree qualifications or relevant industry experience of more than 8 years with at least higher education sector accreditation at minimum advanced diploma level are desirable.

A current NV 1 security clearance at a minimum is essential.

Lawyer (1 – 2 years PQE) | Family Law | Canberra | Salary based on skills and experience | Full-time permanent position

The Role

Our client, a highly regarded and long-standing law firm in the Canberra region, is seeking a lawyer to join their growing Family Law practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic lawyer to join a firm led by young dynamic Directors who focus on providing a broad range of outstanding legal services to the Canberra region.

You will be provided with the unique opportunity of being mentored by the practice leader who is an accredited specialist and one of the most respected family law practitioners in the region.

You will also work closely with and have the support of other experienced Family Lawyers and support staff in the team.

You will be managing a varied caseload including:

• divorce proceedings;
• parenting matters and living arrangements for children;
• division of property following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship;
• Binding Financial Agreements;
• adoption matters;
• spousal maintenance;
• child maintenance; and
• family violence and personal protection matters.

The Requirements

You will be admitted as a solicitor and currently hold or be able to hold a current ACT Practicing Certificate. Ideally the successful candidate will have 1 to 2 years PQE.
Previous experience in a Family Law practice is highly regarded.

Commercial Lawyer – Associate | Business and Corporate | Canberra | Salary based on skills and experience | Full-time permanent position

The Role

Our client, one of the premier local law firms based in Canberra, is seeking a Commercial Lawyer, at the Associate level, to join their Business and Corporate team. An excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic lawyer to join a highly experienced yet growing practice while being mentored by an accredited specialist in the field.

The Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will generally include some or all of the following:
• advising on corporate structures, corporate governance, director’s duties and shareholder rights;
• drafting and negotiating various commercial contracts, corporate deeds and agreements; and
• advising on privacy and intellectual property law matters.

The Requirements

The successful candidate for this position must:
• be admitted as a solicitor with at least 3 years PQE;
• have previous experience in a Business and Corporate practice;
• be technically astute, pro-active, well-organised, self-sufficient; and
• be service driven and care for clients.

If you are looking for the next exciting opportunity in your career while working in a team led by one of the most experienced practitioners in this field in the Canberra market then we look forward to receiving your application.

Senior Associate | Litigation | Canberra | Salary based on skills and experience | Full-time permanent position

The Role

Our client, one of the premier local law firms based in Canberra, is seeking a Senior Associate to join their Litigation and Dispute Resolution team to focus on commercial litigation matters. An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Senior Associate to join a highly experienced yet growing practice that focusses on providing outstanding service to the broader Canberra market.

The Responsibilities

Working closely with the director in a highly professional team, you will be managing a varied caseload with some of your general responsibilities including:
• drafting advices, court documents and correspondence;
• attendances / appearances at mediations, settlement conferences and courts and tribunals; and
• briefing counsel.

The Requirements

You will be admitted as a solicitor and currently hold or be able to hold an ACT Practicing Certificate. Ideally the successful candidate will have at least 6 years PQE.

Previous experience in a Commercial Litigation practice is essential.

Associate and Senior Associate | Wills and Estate Planning | Canberra | Salary based on skills and experience | Full-time permanent positions

The Role

Our client, one of the premier local law firms based in Canberra, is seeking an Associate and Senior Associate to join their Wills and Estate Planning team. An exciting opportunity for Wills and Estate Lawyers to join a highly experienced yet growing practice.

The firm offers competitive remuneration for its team members and embraces a culture of a work life balance allowing you to enjoy all that a Canberra lifestyle has to offer.

The Responsibilities

Working closely with two directors in a highly professional team with years of experience, you will be managing a varied caseload requiring you to undertake:
• estate litigation, including family provision claims;
• probate applications & estate administration; and
• estate planning including preparation of wills, including testamentary trusts.

The Requirements

You will be admitted as a solicitor and currently hold or be able to hold an ACT Practicing Certificate. Ideally the successful candidates will have 2+ years PQE for the Associate role and 6+ years PQE for the Senior Associate role.

Previous experience in a Wills and Estate Planning practice is essential.

Senior Associate (5+ years PQE) | Family Law | Canberra | Salary based on skills and experience | Full-time permanent position

The Role

Our client, a highly regarded and long-standing law firm in the Canberra region, is seeking a lawyer operating at the Senior Associate level or higher to join their growing family law practice. You will work autonomously on both property and parenting matters and be responsible for the carriage of these files. Initially you will assist the practice leader, an accredited specialist and one of the most respected family law practitioners in the region,
with the management of the family law team with a view to progression to team leader of the family law practice and then Director of the firm.

The Firm

The firm is a full service firm which has been deliberate in its growth so that it can maintain its specialist advice in each of its practice areas while still providing its exceptional and personal service to its loyal clients. The Directors are young, dynamic and experts in their respective fields. The firm is based in Canberra and offers you all of the benefits of living and working in the Nations Capital. Easy commuting times, while still short distances to Sydney, the NSW snow fields and the beautiful NSW South Coast and with endless activities for you outside of work.

The Requirements

You will be admitted as a solicitor and currently hold or be able to hold an ACT Practicing Certificate.

You will have at least 5 years PQE in a busy family law practice.

Finally you will be ambitious with a genuine interest in growing into the role of leading a busy and well respected family law practice within a dynamic full service firm.

Lawyer (2+ years PQE) | Wills and Estate Planning | Canberra | Salary based on skills and experience | Full-time permanent position

The Role

Our client, a highly regarded and long-standing law firm in the Canberra region, is seeking a lawyer to join their Wills and Estate Planning team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic lawyer to join a growing practice led by young dynamic Directors who focus on providing a broad range of outstanding legal services to the Canberra region. You will receive excellent support and guidance from your Director while being able to have carriage of your own matters.

You will be managing a varied caseload with tasks consisting of:

• estate planning, including preparation of wills and powers of attorney;
• probate / letters of administration applications and estate administration; and
• the possibility of providing assistance with estate litigation, including family provision claims.

The Requirements

You will be admitted as a solicitor and currently hold or be able to hold a current ACT Practicing Certificate. Ideally the successful candidate will have at least 2 years PQE.
Previous experience in a Wills and Estate Planning practice is essential.

EL 1 Legal Practice Manager – Permanent Position – Canberra Location – NV 1 Clearance

The Role

Our client the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is seeking an experienced Legal Practice Manager at the EL 1 level to join their dynamic and busy team on a permanent basis either via a transfer from another Commonwealth Department or as a new permanent engagement with the Commonwealth.

The Responsibilities

The position will require the successful candidate to work within DFAT’s Legal Division which delivers legal enabling services that advance the department’s operations and strategic objectives. This is an opportunity to engage in complex and sensitive work and actively manage stakeholders relationships at all levels across the department. This is a role that requires sound decision-making and judgement, high levels of strategic thinking and is an opportunity for a high-performing independent thinker to contribute to DFAT’s dynamic legal division.

The successful candidate will be required to:
• problem-solve, undertake analysis and provide timely advice;
• manage the branch’s legal services budget,
• have an eye for detail and an ability to engage accurately on technical matters;
• have highly developed written and verbal communication skills;
• work collaboratively and as an effective member of a team;
• be stakeholder or client-focussed and comfortable operating within a sensitive and complex environment;
• liaise with other agencies and other stakeholders; and
• undertake research on complex subject matter and distil information into clear and concise written products.

The Requirements

The role requires the candidate to have proven experience or ability to drive legislative and policy compliance assurance activities, lead the branch’s external legal reporting obligations, and support the procurement of external legal services.

Legal qualifications, Australian Citizenship and a current practicing certificate are essential.

A current minimum NV1 security clearance would be extremely well regarded as would current or recent experience as a Commonwealth Legal Practice Manager at the EL 1 level.