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.

The Secretariat serves the Law Council nationally and is based in Canberra.

Details about the Position

Position Title - Senior Policy Lawyer

Duration - This a 12-month fixed term role to cover maternity leave until October 2026

Work hours - 8:45am – 5:15pm

Location - This is a Canberra-based role.

Division / Reports to - General Manager of Policy

Closing Date - 12 September 2025

About the Division

The Policy Division performs a critical role in a prestigious national peak organisation, coordinating 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.

In our work we champion the rule of law and its effective delivery as the foundation of a just legal system and aim to lead law reform and legal policy discussions with expertise at the national level. We also advocate on behalf of the Law Council’s Constituent Bodies and in turn the legal profession. Our objective is to provide the federal government and other stakeholders with balanced, respected, independent and apolitical policy positions.

The Law Council’s Policy Division 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.

About the Role

The Senior Policy Lawyer is responsible for preparing papers and submissions and managing projects on critical law reform and public policy issues. While we anticipate that the Senior Policy Lawyer’s role will include family, privacy and administrative law matters, 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. As such, this is a unique opportunity to work closely with eminent legal practitioners in these areas.

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

Ideal Candidate

An Australian bachelor’s degree in law as a minimum. Postgraduate qualifications are considered highly desirable. Candidates who have been admitted to legal practice in Australia will be preferred.

Demonstrated commitment to access to justice and rule of law issues and solutions.

Strong understanding in legal policy and/or legal practice experience. Experience in one or more of family law, privacy law and administrative law would be preferred.

Demonstrated experience in advanced statutory interpretation. Advanced legal research, policy, and advocacy skills.

Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills. Proven ability to develop responses to complex legal and policy issues.

A high level of understanding of Australia’s legal and political systems.

Four to five years’ post-admission experience in legal practice and/or legal policy work.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please send a copy of your CV and cover letter addressing the points listed under the header Ideal Candidate to Martina Mitrova at [email protected]

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.