Lawyer

Applications closing on 05 May 2024, 11:59 PM

Permanent Part Time – 3 days (24 hours) per week
$105,392.80 pro rata (plus 11% super and annual pay increases)

Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime & WFH

 

Who we are

At Surf Coast Shire Council we care about our people and our community and we exist to support both to thrive. We are a region full of spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests, rural hinterland and magnificent beaches, not to mention the iconic Great Ocean Road. The shire is one of the tourists draw cards of Australia and among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria.

We empower our people to do their best and be proud of their achievements. We have a commitment to growth and development with opportunities for learning and growth.  Our employees enjoy a supportive and connected culture, flexible work-life balance offering hybrid flexible working options, free staff onsite parking and much more.

 

Your New Career

An exciting position is available for an enthusiastic and resourceful Lawyer to join Council’s Integrity and Governance Department. You will work under the guidance of the Coordinator of Legal and Property, an experienced senior lawyer and the Manager of Integrity and Governance as part of a friendly and supportive team.

About the role

The core focus of this role will be to efficiently manage complex and sensitive litigation or potentially litigious matters and provide operational advice and representation to Council in all jurisdictions, including alternative dispute resolution. You will also provide support to other streams of work undertaken by the legal services unit.

 

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • The ability to review, manage and conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state courts and tribunals, including a sound knowledge of relevant court practice and procedures.
  • Proven ability to provide practical and client focused oral and written advice on complex and sensitive matters and carry out complex legal research and analysis.
  • Good interpersonal communication skills to truly connect with team-members and work together to deliver exceptional results for Council.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities, within a fast-paced dynamic environment.
  • A strong focus on turnaround time and ability to work under pressure.

 

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience

  • Tertiary qualifications in Law.
  • Admitted to practice Law in the state of Victoria and hold a current practicing certificate with at least 2 years post-admission experience.
  • Legal experience across a broad range of legal issues relevant to Local Government and litigation practice, and a thorough understanding of the Local Government legal and litigation environment.
  • Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to successfully negotiate, influence and resolve complex issues.
  • Solid knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and practices related to legal practice inclusive of OH&S obligations.
  • Proven interpersonal skills with experience in dealing effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders within a complex organisation.
  • Commitment to adhering to the Council Code of Conduct and values.
  • You have the right to live and work in Australia
  • Current Victorian driver’s licence
  • A current WWCC.
  • Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

     

    Desirable Qualifications and Experience

  • Post-graduate qualification in law or similar
  • Experience in a Local Government environment.

 

Working for us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

 

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community and it’s why our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. We value the uniqueness of individuals and provide an environment in which all employees are able to contribute to our success. 

 

What you’ll love

  • Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options
  • Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
  • Career development & learning opportunities, we help our people grow
  • Purchase of additional annual leave
  • Free onsite parking
  • Leave loading.

 

More information on the role accountabilities, and the key selection criteria can be found in the Position Description which is available on our website.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Heidi Mellar on 5261 0600.


Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages.

 

How to apply

Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

  • cover letter
  • statement addressing the selection criteria
  • copy of your resume.

 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

To apply for this position, you must have the permanent right to live and work in Australia.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

 

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 5 May 2024

 

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer and completes police checks for all employees