About the Law Council of Australia

The Law Council of Australia represents the legal profession at the national level, to speak on behalf of its Constituent Bodies on national issues, and to promote the administration of justice, access to justice and general improvement of the law.

The Law Council advises governments, courts, and federal agencies on ways in which the law and the justice system can be improved for the benefit of the community. The Law Council also represents the Australian legal profession overseas and maintains close relationships with legal professional bodies throughout the world.

The Law Council was established in 1933 and represents 16 Australian state and territory law societies and bar associations and the Law Firms Australia, which are known collectively as the Council’s Constituent Bodies.

About the division

The Policy Division in a prestigious national peak organisation, which coordinates strategic policy and advocacy for the legal profession on critical issues affecting access to justice, the administration of justice, regulatory policy, rule of law and human rights.

About the role

The Senior Policy Lawyer, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) is a member of a high-performing policy division in a prestigious national peak organisation, which coordinates strategic policy and advocacy for the legal profession on critical issues affecting access to justice, the administration of justice, regulatory policy, rule of law, and human rights.

Reporting to the General Manager of Policy and to their delegates, the Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues. While having primary responsibility in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Law, the Senior Policy Lawyer will be expected to work in, or assist, in all areas of the Law Council’s policy endeavours. The position will also be required to work closely with the Law Council’s advisory committees, working groups, sections, and Constituent Bodies.

The Senior Policy Lawyer will have advanced legal research skills and high-level communication skills. The Senior Policy Lawyer will also have the ability to manage projects and to supervise junior staff members. The position also requires a solid understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems, as well as an appreciation of key legal and public policy issues at the national level.

The Law Council is extremely fast-paced and requires dynamic, intellectual individuals with problem-solving skills and a desire to promote positive change, while defending important institutions and rights. This position allows tie in with parliament house, and our senior policy lawyers have the opportunity to attend parliamentary hearings and events.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Please prepare a two-page (maximum) statement of claims outlining your suitability for the Senior Policy Lawyer—AML/CTF addressing the criteria below as part of this statement:

• An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Postgraduate qualifications are considered highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience of anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (or similar) law and regulation is highly desirable.
• High-level written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent judgement and analytical skills.
• A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems.
• Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills.
• The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong and consistent work ethic and demonstrated ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented workplace culture.
• A focus on quality and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated project and staff management skills.
• Four to five years’ experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.

For more information

To receive a copy of the full position description or for a confidential discussion prior to application please contact Katie Hancock, HR Advisor via email [email protected] or phone 0439074160 during business hours.