Job opportunity

The Opportunity
As a General Counsel, Litigation and Dispute Resolution at the Department of Communities you will be at the forefront of handling litigation and resolving disputes involving our organisation.

As Communities brings together vital services and functions that enable individual, family and community wellbeing our values are shaped by integrity, courage, respect, empathy, accountability, trust, and empowerment. At the Department of Communities people come to work every day to make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians, which is something you could contribute to in the General Counsel, Litigation and Dispute Resolution role.

Your expertise will be instrumental in the management and coordination of a litigation practice that is fair, consistent and maintains the highest professional standards. You will be a leader who mentors and supports legal staff while fostering a high-performance culture that excels at providing continuous professional growth.

More specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manages cases, attending or instructing counsel to attend relevant Courts and Tribunals in matters involving the Department, including Appeal proceedings.
• Builds partnerships with business areas across the Department that require legal representation to ensure a proactive legal service built on trust and shared goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with legal professionals, including the State Solicitors Office, Solicitors, Barristers and Court staff to ensure the progression of matters promptly and without unnecessary delay.
• Advocates, mediates, and conducts negotiations on complex Legal matters including Supreme Court matters and other claims on behalf of the Department or effectively brief matters to external counsel where appropriate.
• Identify in-house training and development programs for operational staff in the use and application of Legal instruments used in the Department.
• Contribute to the Legal Services directorate’s strategic planning and be able to draw upon the directorate’s resources under your control to maintain a practice that provides high-level legal advice.

This is a position requiring extensive experience in undertaking, leading and coordinating complex legal proceedings across broad areas of law the Department is responsible for. The position is responsible for lawyers who practice predominantly in the Children’s Court, however the position will also manage matters involving the Department across all court jurisdictions. You will require expert awareness of relevant issues, legal precedents and trends in the legal sphere that could impact the Department’s responsibilities.

To succeed in the position you must have a demonstrated and comprehensive experience in providing legal advice in addition to high level analytical and communication skills.

Qualification Requirements

A Bachelor of Laws Degree or approved equivalent and eligibility for admission to practice Law in Western Australia, and extensive post admission Legal experience is an essential work-related requirement for this role.

Benefits

Working at the Department of Communities we offer a safe and healthy working environment, a range of benefits, including attractive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and learning and development opportunities in exchange for your skills, passion and commitment. To view the range of benefits that may be available click here.

Interested in learning more?

The attached Job Description Form (JDF) provides more information about the position. For further information we encourage you to contact Tara Gupta, Chief Legal Officer, on 0419 915 876 or via email on Tara.Gupta@communities.wa.gov.au

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 permanent employment in this or similar roles.

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 2, 3 and 5 of the Essential Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF.
3. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).
4. An application form (for hard copy applications only).

Applicants who are short listed will be assessed on all the Work Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) during the selection process.

For technical difficulties while applying online, general recruitment enquiries, or to request any document in an alternative format, please contact Emily Parker, A/HR Coordinator via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0478 853 062 during business hours only.

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

TTY/voice calls - 133 677

Speak & Listen - 1300 555 727

SMS relay - 0423 677 767

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 Emily Parker, A/HR Coordinator via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au or 0478 853 062 during business hours only.

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 9:00am will not be accepted.