Senior Legal Officer

ClearCompany; Canberra; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A Government Agency is seeking a dedicated Senior Legal Officer to provide strategic legal advice and manage complex legal matters. The successful candidate will work collaboratively to support initiatives related to carbon abatement and clean energy. Applicants must be admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia and have strong analytical skills. This role offers a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Admitted as a legal practitioner in the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
• Eligible to obtain a restricted practicing certificate issued by the ACT Law Society.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and timely legal advice to the Members of the Regulator.
• Manage or assist in managing a team of lawyers.
• Engage and liaise with external lawyers as appropriate.

Skills

Legal expertise

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Education

Admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia

Job description

Overview

The Legal Services section reports to the General Counsel/Chief Risk Advisor and supports the operations of the Clean Energy Regulator through the provision of dedicated in-house legal services, focusing on the interpretation, application and enforcement of Australia's climate change laws. The section's responsibilities include public and administrative law matters, statutory interpretation, litigation, legal drafting and providing strategic legal advice for developing legislative instruments and operational policy. The section also provides legal advice on identification and management of legal risks, and application of laws and policies relating to the operation of the agency (including the PGPA Act, and FOI Act). The section supports the agency's programs and initiatives by giving timely, relevant legal advice.

Over the next twelve months, it is anticipated that the key areas of work for the Legal Services Section will be:

• providing legal support and advice in response to requests from staff on legal issues or responsibilities that affect or may affect the performance of agency functions and powers
• drafting and providing strategic legal input and guidance on formulation of legislative instruments and legislative and operational policy
• drafting legal documents, including contracts and delegations
• advising on the agency's compliance with its obligations under the FOI Act
• coordinating the agency's conduct of administrative, civil and criminal litigation, and
• procuring external legal and other services to support the operation of the agency, including new initiatives.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Legal Officer to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will provide strategic legal advice, manage complex legal matters, and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate will possess extensive legal expertise, strong analytical skills and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively. We offer a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

We invite applications from individuals who are committed to delivering high-quality legal counsel, possess strong skills in resolving complex matters, and are enthusiastic about supporting carbon abatement, clean energy advancement, and nature repair initiatives in Australia. Join our legal team and play an integral role in these important efforts.

Role Responsibilities and Duties

Working under supervision of a Deputy General Counsel or a Principal Legal Officer and as part of the Legal Services section, duties will include:

• assisting the General Counsel in the provision of accurate, practical and timely legal advice to the Members of the Regulator, Senior Executive team and officers of the Clean Energy Regulator
• providing clear and practical legal advice, including legislative and/or commercial drafting, on a wide range of Clean Energy Regulator-specific legislation and general Commonwealth legislation
• managing or assisting in managing a small team of lawyers, ensuring effective allocation and clearance of legal advice work
• developing and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including the creation and delivery of training packages
• engaging and liaising with external lawyers as appropriate
• contributing to the Legal Services and Governance Branch in achieving the objectives and delivering on the strategic direction of the Clean Energy Regulator.

Qualifications/Experience

Applicants should be admitted as a legal practitioner in the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory and should hold, or be currently eligible to obtain, a restricted practicing certificate issued by the ACT Law Society.