Principal Lawyer

The Public Trustee of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Trustee of Queensland in Brisbane invites applications for a Principal Lawyer to lead complex matters across succession, property, equity and trusts, and elder/disability work. Represent QPT in courts and tribunals and provide authoritative advice to internal stakeholders.

As a senior lawyer you will mentor junior lawyers, drive ethical, customer-centered service, and contribute to a values-driven workplace that delivers high-quality legal services to Queenslanders, including those

Qualifications

• Admission or eligibility for immediate admission as a Legal Practitioner in Queensland.
• Experience in complex legal matters across the specified areas.
• Ability to mentor or oversee lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in courts and tribunals.
• Provide authoritative advice to internal stakeholders.
• Manage and lead complex litigation and advisory matters.
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and paralegals.

Skills

Succession law

Property law

Equity & Trusts

Elder/Disability law

Litigation

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Admission to Practice in Queensland

Job description

The Public Trustee of Queensland – Brisbane QLD

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.

• 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 you

You'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.

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.