Solicitor - LO 4 - Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Department of Communities and Justice

Parramatta, Sydney NSW

Other (Legal)

Full time

Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Solicitor

Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Principal location - Parramatta - Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.

Employment type - Ongoing - Full time (35 hours per week)

Salary - Legal Officer - Grade 4, Base Salary (144,058 - 146,831), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

About us

The Department of Communities and Justice shares a common purpose across many areas of their work, particularly when it comes to improving outcomes for children and young people, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people experiencing domestic and family violence, victims of sexual assault, juvenile offenders, people at high risk of reoffending, and people experiencing homelessness.

Working together for stronger communities means we can continue to deliver our services with a more unified and collaborative approach. This means a greater focus on prevention and early intervention, faster responses, more seamless operations, less duplication of effort and better outcomes.

Your role

The primary responsibility of the Civil Team is to:

Manage civil claims against DCJ, including historic abuse claims involving Youth Justice and out-of-homecare and other civil claims involving Housing, Courts Services, Corrective Services NSW, disability, and other personal injury claims

Manage proceedings brought under the Family Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations 1986

Provide advice and liaising with internal stakeholders in relation to matters under the Hague Convention of Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children

What you'll do

As required of the role you will be responsible for conducting both complex and routine legal matters (primarily advice and litigation).

This role will include (but not be limited to) the following accountabilities and challenges:

Conducting and providing strategic and commercial legal advice and instructing panel firms in relation to civil claims against DCJ, including civil claims for child abuse (some of which are litigated and some of which involve class actions), prison assault claims, claims in negligence, forced adoption, false imprisonment claims, malicious prosecution and other personal injury claims.

Collaborating with and delivering high level and sometimes urgent legal advice to various senior stakeholders including ministers and senior executive staff.

Representing the Department in external meetings and forums including leadership forums, mediations and settlement conferences.

Interpreting, preparing and analysing more complex legal documents including drafting complex legal advice, sensitive government submissions and corresponding with senior stakeholders both internally and externally and interpreting legislation and relevant policies.

Contributing to the continuous improvement of legal systems, procedures, and practice standards.

Managing a varied caseload and prioritise effectively within a high volume, deadline driven environment.

Working as part of a collaborative, professional team of solicitors and legal officers, in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

What we're looking for

Eligibility to hold a practising certificate as a government legal practitioner issued by the NSW Law Society.

Extensive knowledge and experience in civil litigation, dispute resolution, and relevant areas of law.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive legal matters, providing high quality advice and clear communication to varied audiences.

Proven experience conducting research and analysis and providing client focussed legal advice

Experience building and maintaining relationships and liaising with external stakeholders, including panel firms and iCare

Current and valid Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

Download the role description.

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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now' button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

A challenging and rewarding career

Flexible, autonomous work environment

Competitive pay and conditions

Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

Health and Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

Contact the hiring manager Timothy Long at timothy.long@dcj.nsw.gov.au