February 2017

Senior Lawyer

Position Details:

Position Title:Senior Lawyer

Department:Legal Policy (LP)

Reporting to:Principal Lawyer

Hours:Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm

*Meetings will occur outside of these hours from time to time

Job Purpose:

LIV is seeking an experienced lawyer to join its Legal Policy team. The senior lawyer will primarily support LIV’s Succession, Elder and Workplace Law Sections. The Senior Lawyer will also support the LIV’s work in the area of diversity. The senior lawyer may also contribute to the work of other legal policy sections.

The Legal Policy team represents, supports and advocates for the legal profession and the broader community through legal policy, reform and advocacy work. The team works closely with the LIV Council and its committees and with LIV members, through sections (representing substantive areas of law), committees, practice networks and interest groups.

The senior lawyer will be a member of the Legal Policy team, contributing to outstanding legal analysis and policy advice. The role combines specialist legal policy work with managing junior members of the team.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the legal profession and the broader community. The role involves high profile and challenging work, engagement with leaders in the justice system, government and community, and the opportunity to advocate justice for all.

Key Effectiveness Areas/Responsibilities:

The senior lawyer will be responsible for driving key legal policy development, law reform, strategic advocacy and projects in partnership with LIV members, LIV departments and other key stakeholders. The policy lawyer will do this by:

  • leading, in collaboration with the Principal Lawyer and the General Manager Public Affairs and Legal Policy, the development and management of influential law reform campaigns on issues of significance for the legal profession and broader community
  • identifying and acting on emerging legal issues and trends in Australia and overseas to initiate policy development and solutions
  • cultivating strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders at all levels, both external and internal, to influence and collaborate on policy development, law reform and joint projects
  • managing the preparation of clear, accessible and compelling legal research, analysis and advocacy, and
  • representing LIV on internal and external committees, and at legal policy and practice events and forums.

The senior lawyer will provide practice support to LIV members and legal practitioners. The senior lawyer will do this by:

  • monitoring legal, policy and other (eg technological) developments relevant to their area of expertise
  • deliveringhigh quality relevant and up-to-date information and resources to assist legal practitioners
  • identifying key topics for, and contributing to, continuing professional development programs and events for legal practitioners, and
  • presenting, and assisting LIV representatives to present, relevant and up-to-date information on legal policy and practice issues to key stakeholders and other audiences.

The senior lawyer will contribute to a high performing and engaged Legal Policy team. The policy lawyer will do this by:

  • leading junior members of the team as directed by the Principal Lawyer and General Manager Public Affairs and Legal Policy
  • providing proactive support and advice to the Principal Lawyer and LIV leadership on legal policy and practice issues
  • identifying and pursuing opportunities for collaboration across LIV committees, departments, practice networks and interest groups
  • developing strong, collaborative and respectful relationships with other members of the team and across LIV, and
  • performing other tasks as requested by the Principal Lawyer, the General Manger of Legal Policy and Public Affairs and the LIV leadership team.

Capabilities / Core Competencies:

These key behaviours are consistent across the Law Institute of Victoria and all staff will perform their position according to the following core competencies:

1. Excellence
Technical / Professional Expertise
Having a theoretical and practical knowledge of products, systems, operations and procedures; keeping abreast of current developments and trends in area of expertise to help maximise customer service.
Continuous Improvement
Taking initiative to improve operations/services/ products and systems so that they are consistent with LIV’s strategic direction and values; incorporating innovation and experimentation into daily work.
2. Integrity
Conducting every aspect of work in a trustworthy, reliable and transparent manner, and maintaining the highest ethical standards.
3. Innovation
Being dynamic, creative and flexible in approach to work.
4. Teamwork
Working effectively with others (department and organisation) to accomplish Department goals; Taking action that respects the needs and contributions of others; contributing to and accepting the consensus.
5. Accountability
Taking ownership for individual goals, activities and decisions for which you are accountable to ensure the successful achievement of quality results.
PEOPLE LEADERSHIP (Only for those who formally manage others)
Managing Customer Service Focus
Ensuring customer service front of mind for staff.
Managing Performance
Manages other staff members by defining goals clearly, assessing performance objectively and rewarding performance outcomes that drive business results.
Managing Change
Supporting and / or coordinating efforts that contribute to the success of the organisation.

Knowledge & Skills:

You will have a history of displaying the following competencies:

  • Excellent knowledge and experience ofsuccession, elder and workplace law and diversity issues
  • Knowledge of costs law is desirable
  • Experience in legal policy development and advocacy
  • High level legal research skills, including an ability to interpret legislation and provide advice on complex legal issues
  • Experience in negotiating and collaborating with key stakeholders on legal policy matters
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Strong written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated conflict management skills to anticipate and minimise conflict, and negotiate solutions
  • Keen attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational skills with a proven ability to deal with competing deadlines
  • Initiative and accountability to ensure the successful achievement of high quality results,and
  • Ability to work effectively individually or as a team member to accomplish organisational goals.

Qualifications:

  • You will be an Australian legal practitioner (or eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate) with at least three years’ experience post admission.

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