Principal Lawyer

This opportunity has been re-advertised with updated location. 

Join a diverse, high-performing legal team working in general advice, legislation and commercial law with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Department of Communities brings together the services and functions of disability services, child protection and family support, community initiatives and regional services reform.

Communities is a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program. The program defines best practice standards by creating a carer friendly workplace, enabling staff to balance work and care, while continuing to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the community.

The Opportunity
As a Principal Lawyer you will be working within the Department’s Advisory Services and Legislation (ASL) team. The ASL team provide high level legal advice across the range of practice areas including Disabilities, Child Protection, Adoptions and Worker Screening. This role requires independent judgement in managing complex cases and providing legal advice that is practical and accurate.

The extent and nature of the legal work allocated will vary according to expertise.

Main duties may include:

• Providing high level advice on complex legal issues across a range of practice areas.
• Drafting legal documents on a range of commercial matters, including leases, licenses and other commercial contracts.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing guidance and mentoring for junior lawyers.

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Torren Gildersleeve, General Counsel Advisory Services and Legislation, on (08) 6277 3626.

There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of contract employment and/or offers of permanent employment in this or similar roles.

Qualification Requirements
You must have a Bachelor of Laws Degree AND admission as a practitioner to be eligible for this position. All overseas qualifications must be assessed for Australian equivalency.

Join the Department of Communities
Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button (above and below) and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format only:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A two to three [2-3] page written application addressing all the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
4. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
5. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Margia Munoz, Human Resources Advisor on 0466 171 *** or via email on *************@communities.wa.gov.au.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:

TTY/voice calls - 133 677

Speak & Listen - 1300 555 ***

SMS relay - 0423 677 ***

Integrity and Honesty
The public sector is built on a strong foundation of integrity where employees act ethically, and public sector bodies promote and maintain integrity. 

In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. For more information on these requirements, click here.  

Equity and Diversity

Communities welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Margia at *************@communities.wa.gov.au.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.