Principal Lawyer

Public Trust Office; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Trust Office is seeking a Principal Lawyer to lead complex legal matters across succession, property, equity and trusts, and elder/disability law. You will represent QPT in courts and tribunals and provide authoritative advice to internal stakeholders.

You will supervise and mentor lawyers and paralegals, contributing to an ethical, inclusive practice focused on customers and the community.

Qualifications

• Admission or eligibility for admission as a Legal Practitioner in Queensland.
• Eligibility for current practising certificate and entry on the High Court Register of Practitioners.
• Experience handling complex matters and mentoring staff.
• Proven ability to represent clients in courts and tribunals.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex litigation and advisory matters across succession, property, equity and trusts, elder/disability law.
• Represent QPT in courts and tribunals with professional integrity.
• Provide authoritative legal advice to internal stakeholders and supervise junior lawyers and paralegals.

Skills

Succession law

Elder/disability law

Equity and trusts

Property law

Litigation

Education

Admission as Legal Practitioner in Queensland

Job description

This is your opportunity to step into a key legal leadership role where your expertise in succession law, property law, equity and trusts, and/or elder and disability law will guide critical decisions and ensure QPT continues to provide trusted and professional services.As a Principal Lawyer, you'll represent QPT in courts and tribunals, provide authoritative advice to internal stakeholders and contribute to ethical and inclusive legal practices that puts customers first. If you're ready to influence meaningful outcomes and lead with professional integrity, we'd love to hear from you.Why join QPT?Make a meaningful community impact: Your work will directly support Queenslanders, particularly those experiencing vulnerability, through high‑quality legal services across complex areas of law.Handle diverse, challenging and rewarding legal matters: You'll engage in complex litigation and advisory work across succession, property, disability/administration and trust matters, representing QPT in courts and tribunals.Lead, mentor and grow: As a senior member of the team, you'll supervise and mentor lawyers and paralegals while contributing to a positive, supportive and professional workplace.A values-driven people-focused legal environment: Join a team committed to delivering high‑quality legal services. You'll undertake meaningful work that strengthens outcomes for customers and the community.About youYou're a resilient, customer‑focused legal practitioner with a strong foundation across complex matters and use innovative problem-solving in fast‑moving environments. You communicate with influence and work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve practical outcomes.You'll excel in this role if you bring:Demonstrated experience in any of the following areas: succession law, elder/disability law, equity and trusts, property law, and litigation.Confidence representing clients in courts and tribunals and managing complex legal matters.Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills with an ability to build trust and influence outcomes.A commitment to delivering timely, high‑quality legal services aligned with professional and public-sector standards.Experience mentoring or overseeing legal practitioners.Mandatory requirements:Admission (or eligibility for immediate admission) as a Legal Practitioner in Queensland.Eligibility for a current practising certificate and entry on the High Court Register of Practitioners.Interested in applying?Please provide the following information in your application:A cover letter (maximum two pages) telling us what you will bring to the role and your motivation for applying.Your current CV or resume (maximum three pages is recommended), including any mandatory and/or other requirements.Details of two referees who have a thorough knowledge of your capabilities, work performance and conduct within the previous two years. It is preferable to include your current or immediate past supervisor.Only those persons eligible to work in Australia may be employed by QPT. Prospective employees will be required to provide proof of identity and documentary evidence of their right to work in Australia.QPT is a value for money independent state trustee service dedicated to trust and estate administration and advancing and safeguarding the rights, interests and wishes of Queenslanders in need of financial management. We have been looking after Queenslanders and their families since 1916.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.