Investigations Solicitor

The Law Society of New South Wales; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Law Society of New South Wales is seeking an Investigations Solicitor to join the Legal Regulation team. The role focuses on conducting investigations of complaints about lawyers, examining suitability issues, and contributing to policy development.

Ideal candidates have at least 5 years post-qualification experience, admission to the Roll of Lawyers, and a solid understanding of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW).

Qualifications

• Admission to the Roll of Lawyers and be eligible to hold a practising certificate.
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience.
• Experience in investigatory, regulatory or administrative law is desirable.
• Solid knowledge of Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and related regulations.
• Strong drafting, letter writing and reporting skills.
• Proven ability to plan, organise and lead tasks and teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of complaints about lawyers under Chapter 5 in a fair and impartial manner.
• Assess suitability issues relating to a lawyer’s fitness to hold a practising certificate under Chapter 3.
• Review trust investigation reports and provide recommendations to Director and Council.
• Manage a mix of complex matters including complaints, suitability, and trust investigations.
• Identify conduct issues and determine what evidence is required to complete investigations.
• Draft statutory notices, perform legal research, and prepare reports with clear recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements under the Uniform Law.
• Prepare concise, well-reasoned memoranda to Council on suitability issues.
• Liaise with complainants, solicitors, committees, and other stakeholders.
• Support policy and educational goals of the department and contribute to legal development.

Job description

The Law Society of New South Wales is Australia's largest membership body for solicitors. It shares co-regulatory duties with the NSW Legal Services Commissioner to ensure professional standards and integrity within the profession.

We are currently looking for a full time Investigations Solicitor to join our Legal Regulation team.

About the team

Professional Standards, Legal Regulation Department carries out co-regulatory functions under delegation and overseen by the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner about lawyers in NSW. The Investigations Team is responsible for carrying out the investigation of complaints about the conduct of lawyers and suitability issues pursuant to Chapters 3 and 5 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW). Investigations Solicitors within the Investigations Team are responsible for carrying out the Department’s statutory functions under the Uniform Law.

What you'll be doing

• Conducting investigations of complaints about lawyers expeditiously under Chapter 5 and in a fair and impartial manner in accordance with the Uniform Law.
• Examining suitability issues relating to a lawyer's fitness to hold a practising certificate under Chapter 3 of the Uniform Law.
• Review and analyse trust investigation reports and make considered recommendations to the Director, Legal Regulation, and to the Council of the Law Society of NSW.
• Active case management of a mix of complex matters, including complaints, suitability issues and trust investigation matters.
• Identify key conduct issues arising from these matters, critically analyse the material provided and consider what further evidence is required to complete the investigation.
• Examination of evidence, drafting of relevant statutory notices, conducting relevant legal research, report and make recommendations on complaints to the Professional Conduct Committee in a timely manner.
• Compliance with statutory requirements under the Uniform Law.
• Draft succinct and well-researched memoranda to Council about suitability issues.
• Liaison with complainants, solicitors, Professional Conduct Committee, Council, NSW Legal Services Commissioner and other relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the policy and educational goals of the Department including legislative and legal development.
• Contribute to the maintenance of high ethical standards and practice excellence within the legal profession through active involvement in the Department's goals, including legislative and legal development.

About you

• Admission to the Roll of Lawyers and holding or eligible to hold a practising certificate.
• At least 5 years of Post Qualifications Experience.
• Previous investigatory, regulatory or administrative law experience is desirable.
• Sound knowledge of Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and related legislation and regulations.
• Good grasp of solicitor's trust accounting practice.
• Proven ability to use clear, concise language in correspondence and reports.
• Ability to plan and organise self and others to ensure the completion of tasks and to manage and support others to succeed in their roles.
• Ability to plan and organise self to ensure the timely completion of tasks.
• Ability to structure, engage and present information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability with regard to computer skills, including word processing capabilities, proficiency with e-mail and internet applications and data base applications and experience using Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrates willingness and determination to set clear goals.
• Regulates own behaviour, comprehends organisational structure and culture and acts appropriately in the execution of duties.
• Ability to use information, knowledge and experience to analyse and form considered judgements.
• 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.
• Displays a commitment to quality client service, values the supplying of accurate and timely information and relates to people from diverse backgrounds.