The Arts Law Centre of Australia is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Senior Lawyer - someone who is deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a profound impact on artists' lives, excited about the prospect of working within and around the forthcoming standalone ICIP (Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property) legislation and with a passion for supporting First Nations artists through our AITB (Artists In The Black) program.

This is an identified role, which requires the candidate to be Indigenous and have the ability to work with the First Nations community. This position plays a key role in delivering legal services focused on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) to First Nations artists, creative communities, and organisations.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

Arts Law is Australia’s only independent national community legal centre for the arts, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. We provide free or low cost specialised legal advice, education and resources to Australian artists and arts organisations across all art forms, on a wide range of arts related legal and business matters. Arts Law’s Artists in the Black program delivers targeted services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists nationally.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Lawyer (Indigenous Identified) will help implement and execute strategies aligned with Arts Law's mission, with a focus on legal service delivery, outreach, and engagement with First Nations communities. They will contribute to funding acquittals and partner closely with the CEO and AITB team to ensure meaningful community and stakeholder engagement. This position also includes managing specific legal cases, supporting community engagement efforts, may involve travelling to conduct outreach activities with remote communities, and working alongside legal and non-legal staff to strengthen the AITB program.

ABOUT YOU

The position requires a confident and qualified specialist in ICIP, who has experience driving community engagement and eductaion in First Nations communities. You will bring office management and administration skills, as well as a willingness to maintain a variety of tasks, and a genuine commitment to supporting First Nations artists and creative communities.

You will be a collaborative team player who enjoys working with others, is able to work with limited supervision, and has understanding of the challenges, importance and issues in supporting First Nations artistic practice in the community.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Skills and Experience

• Admitted legal practitioner who holds an unrestricted practising certificate in New South Wales, with 5+ years post-admission experience, with a strong focus on IP (ideally including copyright), contracts, ICIP and other legal matters affecting First Nations communities.
• Experience in corporate law would be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of legal services and outreach programs for First Nations communities.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) laws and related issues.
• Experience working with funders and managing funding acquittals, including reporting on program outcomes.

Personal Attributes

• A deep commitment to advancing the legal rights and interests of First Nations artists and communities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, particularly in working with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
• A high level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of work.
• Ability to mentor team members while managing multiple responsibilities.
• Willingness to travel and engage with remote and regional First Nations communities as part of outreach efforts.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Attractive salary of up to $120,000 and access to salary packaging. 
• A supportive working environment enhanced by the ability to influence practices, policy and procedures.
• A small and committed team who is passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for artists and arts organisations.

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Further details regarding the position, a copy of the Position description, and any other requests for information can be forwarded to: [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Lawyer (Indigenous identified) - The Arts Law Centre of Australia enquiry via EthicalJobs.