Graduate Solicitor, Assessment and Compliance

Law Society of NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Law Society of New South Wales is seeking a Graduate Solicitor to join the Assessment and Compliance team on a full‑time permanent basis, with a hybrid working model. Under supervision, you will assess, investigate and consider matters referred to Professional Standards under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and related suitability issues.

You will review reports, manage cases, conduct legal research and draft notices, while liaising with solicitors, staff and regulatory committees to

Qualifications

• Admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and hold or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate.
• Proficient knowledge of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and related legislation and regulations.
• Good communication skills including the ability to listen and assimilate information and to structure, engage and present information clearly.
• Ability to plan and organise self and to support others to succeed in their roles.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including e‑mail and internet applications and database applications such as MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Conducting or assisting, under supervision, the assessment and investigation of matters referred to the Assessment and Compliance Team under the Uniform Law.
• Review and analyse trust investigation reports and other referrals, making recommendations to relevant directors and Council.
• Active case and practice management including examination, investigation, research, reporting and monitoring of matters.
• Examination of evidence, drafting statutory notices, conducting legal research, and reporting to Council and its regulatory committees.
• Compliance with statutory requirements under the Uniform Law, including maintaining confidentiality.
• Liaison with solicitors, Law Society staff, Council and its regulatory committees and other stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Legal research

Regulatory insight

Education

Admission as NSW legal practitioner

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Graduate Solicitor, Assessment and Compliance

We are currently looking for a Graduate Solicitor to join our Assessment and Compliance team. This is a full-time permanent role (35 hours per week) with a hybrid working model.

About the role

The Graduate Solicitor, Assessment and Compliance conducts, under supervision, the assessment, investigation and consideration of matters referred to Professional Standards about compliance with obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) (Uniform Law) and/or other suitability issues under Chapter 3 of the Uniform Law.

What you’ll be doing

• Conducting or assisting, under supervision, the assessment and investigation of matters referred to the Assessment and Compliance Team about compliance with obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) (Uniform Law) and/or other fitness and suitability issues under Chapter 3 of the Uniform Law.
• Review and analyse trust investigation reports and other referrals, make considered recommendations to the Deputy Director, Legal Regulation, the Director, Legal Regulation, and to the Council of the Law Society of NSW and its regulatory committees.
• Active case and practice management including the examination, investigation, research, reporting and monitoring of matters.
• Examination of evidence, drafting relevant statutory notices, conducting relevant legal research, report and make recommendations to Council and its regulatory committees in a timely manner.
• Compliance with statutory requirements under the Uniform Law, including maintaining confidentiality.
• Liaison with solicitors, Law Society Staff, Council and its regulatory Committees and other relevant stakeholders.

About you

• Admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and hold or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate.
• Proficient knowledge of Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and related legislation and regulations.
• Good communication skills including the ability to listen and assimilate information from others, use clear, concise language in correspondence and reports and to structure, engage and present information clearly.
• Promote collective achievement, contribute to the development and achievement of group objectives.
• Ability to plan and organise self to ensure the completion of tasks and to manage and support others to succeed in their roles.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including, e-mail and internet applications. data base applications and experience using programs, such as MS Office.
• Display a commitment to quality client service, values the supplying of accurate and timely information and relates to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Regulates own behaviour, comprehends organisational structure and culture and acts appropriately in the execution of duties.
• Behaves in an honest and trustworthy manner, treats others fairly and is open about one’s own misjudgements and any conflicts of interest which may be present.

About the team

Professional Standards carries out regulatory functions in relation to lawyers in NSW including under delegation and oversight by the NSW Legal Services Commissioner. The functions of Professional Standards include the following: dealing with complaints under Chapter 5 of the Uniform Law, trust account investigations and compliance under Chapter 4 and other suitability, compliance and disclosure matters under Chapter 3. In addition to its assessment and investigatory role, Professional Standards has a litigation section conducting matters in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Local Court and Supreme Court.

The Assessment and Compliance Team deals with referrals from the Trust Accounts Department, Licensing and Registry, and from courts and tribunals. The Team conducts an initial assessment of the referrals and deals with them in accordance with the Uniform Law. It prepares reports for Council and its regulatory committees as well as to the Director, Legal Regulation.

The Law Society of New South Wales is committed to building and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity.