Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Senior Legal Counsel
Hemisphere HR Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
We are confidentially representing an organisation committed to cultivating a culture of respect, safety and trust, ensuring psychological well-being and support across all their workplaces. Our client has embraced flexible working arrangements and is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment where employees can thrive.
As Senior Legal Counsel, Employment and Litigation - you will play a pivotal role in providing high-level legal assistance and advice on complex litigation, employment and industrial relations matters affecting the entire organisation and its employees.
This role will have a matrix reporting line, reporting directly to the General Counsel with operational management of ER / IR related work directed by the Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO) function. You will be required to act as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership, have functional / operational accountability into the legal function, and take operational direction from CPCO for ER / IR matters.
Responsibilities
The principal responsibility of the Senior Legal Counsel, Employment and Litigation, is to deliver expert, pragmatic legal advice and manage high-risk legal matters to mitigate organisational risk. This includes providing advice and strategic direction in relation to litigation, employment and industrial matters, including cases before State and Federal Courts, Tribunals, and Commissions.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following 5 key areas:
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
* Develop, implement and oversee the litigation strategy to ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
* Provide authoritative advice on complex litigation matters as required, including commercial disputes, regulatory compliance, administrative law challenges, and contractual issues.
* Manage disputes effectively (including negotiating settlements), including alternative dispute resolution (ADR), arbitration, and litigation in courts and tribunals.
ER/IR
* Providing authoritative advice on legislative and common law obligations affecting employment policies and procedures, including workplace relations legislation, discrimination law, and work, health, and safety obligations.
* Leading the legal strategy and providing expert advice in the management of complex and contentious employment matters.
* Representing the organisation in employment-related litigation and disputes, both internally and in external tribunals and commissions.
People
* Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with all staff and external stakeholders to ensure organisational objectives are achieved.
* Manage external legal counsel relationships to ensure cost-effective and high-quality external legal advice and representation.
* Act as a mentor and provide guidance to less senior members of the Legal Services team as needed.
Compliance, Systems, and Reporting
* Ensure all legal advice and services comply with professional legal standards, including Legal Services Directions and practising certificate requirements in the Australian Capital Territory.
* Proactively manage compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Safety
* Champion safety behaviours aligned with enterprise strategies and values.
Experience & Qualifications
* Appropriate tertiary qualifications in law with 10+ years PQE.
* Admitted as a legal practitioner (however described in any State of Australia).
* Ability to hold a Practising Certificate in the Australian Capital Territory.
* 10+ years in employment and industrial relations law / commercial litigation advising obtained in a top tier law firm, government department, or corporation.
* Experience in managing legal matters in State and/or Federal Courts and Tribunals, including briefing external legal firms.
* Demonstrated advocacy experience in Federal Commissions and Tribunals (including the Fair Work Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission).
* Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly obtain a working knowledge of the Legal Services Directions.
* Sound technical skills in employment and industrial relations legal matters.
* Knowledge of, and experience in, litigation in the Australian Court system.
* Ability to provide pragmatic legal advice and identify, understand and provide mitigation for legal risk.
Application
If you are ready for your next challenge and confident you match the required profile; we look forward to receiving your application. For any additional information before applying, please email James at jm@hemispherehr.com.au to arrange a convenient time to speak. Thank you.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal
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