We’re HIRING: A Director of Legal Practice

• Lead Australia’s pre-eminent consumer law practice
• Drive strategic litigation that changes the marketplace
• Executive leadership role with national profile

Consumer Action Law Centre is Australia’s specialist consumer and financial services legal centre. Its purpose is to make life easier for people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, pursued through an integrated model that brings together a legal practice, financial counselling, policy and campaigning. Nationally recognised and frequently in the media, Consumer Action has nearly doubled in size over the past three years and is entering an ambitious new strategic period focused on systemic impact.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on the executive, the Director of Legal Practice leads a practice of around 20, including managing lawyers, specialist solicitors and paralegals, with seven direct and thirteen indirect reports. The Director oversees legal assistance to around 3,500 consumers and 1,000 workers each year, leads strategic litigation in higher jurisdictions in support of policy and campaign objectives, and will build a new Domestic Building Legal Service in partnership with Justice Connect. This is one of the most consequential legal leadership roles in the community legal sector: the next Director will implement a new service design and intake as the practice steps up its litigation and systemic work and will develop and mentor an expert team.

• A skilled litigator. Substantial litigation and dispute resolution experience, typically around ten years post-qualification, with specialist knowledge across consumer law, consumer credit, bankruptcy, civil procedure and debt enforcement.
• Eligible to lead the practice. Eligible for admission in Victoria as a principal solicitor authorised to receive trust money. Interstate candidates eligible for Victorian admission are warmly encouraged.
• An experienced executive. A track record of leading a large practice or equivalent function, engaging funders and regulators, and representing an organisation publicly and in the media.
• A change leader with a warm heart. Able to lead experienced teams through strategic change with care, clarity and accountability, and energised by a highly collaborative, integrated advocacy model.

Experience in community legal centres, legal aid or comparable services, and a record of high-impact strategic litigation, will be highly regarded. Consumer Action encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Download a comprehensive briefing pack from: https://searchlightgroup.com.au/jobs/director-legal-practice/

Download the PDF here.

Searchlight Group is assisting CALC with this appointment. To apply, please upload a cover letter addressing your relevant skills and experience, together with a current CV, via: https://searchlightgroup.com.au/jobs/director-legal-practice/

For a confidential discussion, contact Michael Holdway on 0400 006 ***.

Contact: Michael Holdway – Managing Director, Searchlight Group

ENDS