Solicitor, Licensing

We are currently looking for a full time permanent  Licensing Solicitor to join our Licensing team. 

About the team

The Licensing department administers, processes and grants applications for Australian practising and registration certificates in New South Wales (NSW), while also ensuring compliance with statutory licensing requirements of the legal profession in NSW. The department maintains the records of solicitors, and provides appropriate information to the public, other regulatory bodies, various departments within the Society, and the legal profession.

About the role

The Solicitor, Licensing is responsible for assisting the Deputy Director and Director, Licensing and Registry in carrying out the Law Society’s delegated statutory responsibilities pertaining to the licensing of solicitors in New South Wales, pursuant to the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), and its responsibilities administering the Professional Standards Scheme pursuant to the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW). 

What you'll be doing

Licensing and Registry 

• Support the Deputy Director and Director, Licensing and Registry in carrying out the Law Society's delegated statutory functions pertaining to the issuance and variation of practising certificates and registration certificates of those engaging in legal practice in New South Wales.
• Provide legal and strategic advice (oral and written) to the Deputy Director and Director, Licensing and Registry on licensing applications, statutory interpretation, administrative law issues, policies and procedures, and regulatory affairs;
• Ensure compliance with the conditions of a practising certificate and assess applications for supervised legal practice, practising certificates, practice requirements, discretionary conditions, PMC requirements and certificates of fitness, and that matters are appropriately referred to the Director, Legal Regulation where required;
• Assist with the Law Society’s Licensing Committee matters including assessing applications, legal research, and drafting advice to the Committee, so as to assist the Committee fulfil its statutory functions as delegated by Council;
• Support the Deputy Director and Director, Licensing and Registry with the internal and external administrative review of licensing decisions;
  
• Support the management and accuracy of web based information services and content pertaining to licensing and regulatory issues affecting the profession.
• Respond to requests from other law societies and regulatory authorities on licensing and compliance issues;
• Provide guidance to the profession, internal and external stakeholders, regulators and government agencies in respect of the applicability of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and other regulatory issues, and provide administrative law advice internally;
• Provide licensing compliance guidance and support to other Law Society Departments in respect of regulatory, legislative and practice issues and amendments including the Registry, Professional Standards, Company Secretary, Professional Support Unit

Strategy and Stakeholder Management

• Develop of policies and procedures to improve compliance with the statutory requirements, ensure continuation of risk management practices, and to enhance the effective administration of regulatory and licensing processes;
• Contribute to the development of procedures to enhance the effective administration of regulatory and licensing processes;

PII

• Ensure that appropriate professional indemnity insurance (PII) is in place for all practitioners, and assess applications for PII exemption;
• Respond to queries in respect of PII arrangements and obligations under the Uniform Law;
• Liaise with NSW approved insurer Lawcover in respect of risk issues to consumers and insurance arrangements for law practices in NSW;
• Liaise with local designated regulatory bodies and approved insurers of other jurisdictions with respect to insurance coverage of interstate practitioners and law practices. 

Disclosure of information

• Appropriately respond to enquiries and/or subpoenas concerning the proper disclosure of information acquired pursuant to the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) including preparation of certificates for evidence in legal proceedings and certificates of fitness;

Professional Standards Scheme

• Provide legal advice & support to the Deputy Director and Director, Licensing & Registry in the establishment and accreditation of the Society’s Professional Standards Scheme and ongoing Scheme compliance with professional standards legislation.
• Assist the Deputy Director providing guidance to practitioners in respect to the operation of the Scheme as required.
• Support the Deputy Director in assisting the Scheme Administration Committee in carrying out its functions.
• Support the Deputy Director and Director and Scheme team in the preparation for and timely submission of the annual report.

About you

• 1-5 years post-qualification legal experience and maintenance of an Australian practising certificate.
• Experience in a legal profession regulatory based environment, including appropriate technical and systems knowledge (desirable),
• Demonstrates a high level of professional and technical knowledge of legislative procedures and the legal profession and regularly keeps abreast of recent developments in this area (desirable).
• Working knowledge of all relevant legislation (desirable).
• Understanding of the legal profession, including legal practice management issues.
• Understanding of the framework and practical operation of the legal profession legislation.
• Ability to accurately interpret legislation and apply with a practical focus;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to structure, engage and present information clearly and articulately across a number of mediums eg. telephone, presentations, email, letter, memoranda to senior management and committees.
• Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Contribute to the development and achievement of organisational objectives.
• Demonstrated time and project management skills, including the ability to work towards and meet statutory deadlines.
• Strong prioritising and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to work in complex frameworks, analyse and prioritise work.
• Demonstrated ability with regard to computer skills, including excellent word processing capabilities, proficiency with e-mail and internet applications and data base applications and experience using programs, such as MS Word, Access and Excel.
• The ability to work as part of a small team of solicitors.
• Displays a commitment to quality client service, values the supplying of accurate and timely information and relates to people from diverse backgrounds.
  

To apply

The Law Society of New South Wales is committed to building and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity. 

Applications must contain a CV and cover letter that outlines your key experience and motivations for this role.