Principal Lawyer, Investigations and Litigation

About the ACT Law Society

The ACT Law Society is the peak professional body representing and maintaining standards of solicitors in the Australian Capital Territory. We champion high standards of legal practice, protect practitioner integrity and safeguard community trust. As part of a strategic shift, we are transitioning our investigation and litigation functions in-house. As a result of an internal promotion, we are now seeking a new leader to develop this in-house function.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Regulatory Services, you will lead the Society’s investigations into disciplinary, suitability and litigated matters under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT). You will engage with the Society’s Council and delegated committees and represent the Society in mediations and before the ACAT and ACT Supreme Court. In addition, you will be responsible for the recruitment, supervision and development of staff and work closely with external legal providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee investigations into complaints about conduct and suitability matters relating to legal practitioners under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT);

• Engage with complainants, practitioners, counsel and third parties through clear, professional communication; 

• Prepare and present legal advice and briefing notes to Council and delegated committees on investigations, disciplinary, suitability and litigated matters in a timely manner;

• Liaise with external counsel, legal representatives and interstate regulators as required;

• Contribute to the development of internal policies, procedures, guidelines and reporting, to uplift and improve the Society’s in-house legal practice; and

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, sharing knowledge with other teams to support education programs and resources promoting ethical and professional legal practice.

 What You’ll Bring

• Admission as solicitor of an Australian Supreme Court with a current unrestricted practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one);

• At least 8+ years PQE with extensive demonstrated litigation and advocacy experience;

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proven expertise in interpreting legislation, case law and regulatory rules;

• Demonstrated sound judgment in assessing and resolving factual and legal issues;

• Ability to quickly master new and evolving areas of law;

• Excellent attention to detail and organisation in maintaining accurate records;

• Experience in regulatory, disciplinary or complaint-handling environments (highly desirable); and

• Sound understanding of administrative law principles and best practices (desirable).

 Core Competencies

• High integrity and professionalism, acting consistently with honesty, trustworthiness and respect;

• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders;

• Proven leadership and people management experience, including the ability to motivate, guide and support;

• Strong planning and time-management capabilities, delivering to deadlines in a small-team setting; and

• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture that reflects the Society’s vision and objectives.

What We Offer

• Generous leave entitlements.

• 35 hour full-time work week.

• Flexible work arrangements available.

• Access to Employee Assistance program.

• A collaborative, values-driven environment where your leadership will shape the future of legal regulation in the ACT.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume together with a cover letter addressing your relevant experience and suitability for the role to ••••@actlawsociety.asn.au.

Any questions about the role can be sent to ••••@actlawsociety.asn.au.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply early, as we are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible.

Appointment to this role will be subject to a satisfactory background check, including a National Police Record Check, verification of the qualifications required for the role and conduct record check.

The ACT Law Society is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.