Principal Lawyer

Job Description

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Principal Lawyer in our Legal Compliance and Enforcement Branch. A merit list may also be formed through this recruitment process which may be used to fill upcoming vacancies that arise over the next 18 months.

About the FWO

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act 2009. Our functions outline the responsibilities we have as set by the Fair Work Act 2009 to achieve our purpose:

• provide education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations
• provide and monitor compliance with workplace laws
  inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act
• take appropriate enforcement action
• perform our statutory functions efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically

What our employees say about us

We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.

What we offer you

We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:

• Great training and development opportunities
• Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free counselling service for you and your family
• A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
• Rewards and recognition initiatives

About The Team

The FWO’s Legal Compliance and Enforcement 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 the progress of investigations and different enforcement options. 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.

As a Principal Lawyer you will have the opportunity to:

Lead a team of lawyers and mentor colleagues to achieve outcomes
Lead a team that acts as solicitor on the record in civil penalty litigations, as well as instructing external legal providers, including counsel
Advise on workplace relations issues and provide practical advice on the FWO’s functions and statutory tools, investigations and enforcement activities

Work with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, Courts and the wider public sector
Contribute to the senior leadership within the Agency and contribute to the achievement of the Agency’s strategic goals and priorities

Be part of a responsive and dynamic Agency committed to innovation.

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 typically have 7+ years of relevant post-admission experience. 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 this role will offer you

The ability to practise as a lawyer in an in-house legal practice within a regulatory environment where you can run significant litigation matters;
A challenging, diverse and inclusive workplace and attractive remuneration package including generous employer superannuation contributions;
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.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment with FWO you must be an Australian citizen.
The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain an a Baseline security clearance.
For further information about the Fair Work Ombudsman, please visit www.fairwork.gov.au.

For information about our office locations please visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/contact-us/offices.

How to Apply

If you are excited about this opportunity please describe and provide practical examples, in no more than 800 words, how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications meet the requirements of this role and make you the best candidate for this opportunity.

Submit an online application through the current vacancies page on the FWO’s website.

If you have any questions regarding this role or selection process, please contact [email protected].

Applications close 11.00pm (AEDT) Monday 18 April 2022