Legal Advisor

Location: Manuka, Canberra, ACT 
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time, Fixed Term
Salary Range: $109,560 - $117,990 (based on skills and experience) plus Superannuation 
Start Date: Immediate 
Closing Date: 11.55 pm, Wednesday 15 May 2024 

Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) plays an integral role in education in the ACT and NSW, operating 56 Schools and nine Early Learning Centres. 

The Catholic Education Office is committed to workforce diversity and creating inclusive workplaces. We welcome applications from suitable candidates from all diversity groups to support our system of schools and early learning centres in delivering quality education outcomes for the students in our care.  

About the Catholic Education Office 

The Catholic Education Office (CEO) provides corporate services to the CECG system of schools and ELCs.  Service Areas include Education and Performance Improvement, Catholic Identity, School and Family Services, Strategy and Special Projects, Finance and Infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology and People and Culture. 

About the Role  

The Legal Advisor is part of a discreet Legal team, and is responsible for the delivery of complex legal and operational advice services under general supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor and General Counsel. As an integral member of the Legal Team, the Legal Advisor provides assistance to key stakeholders in exercising their functions across a broad spectrum of education sector activities including interpretation of family law matters, privacy, commercial arrangements, advisings and risk mitigation. This position would suit an individual that is committed to developing their legal skill in a fast paced not-for-profit in-house legal, governance, policy and risk environment and who is looking to mentor and develop junior lawyers.

Benefits and Opportunities 

• Positive and collaborative workplace culture 
• Access to salary packaging, including novated leasing 
• 24 weeks of paid parental leave (maternity/adoption) 
• Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave (paternity/non-initial primary carer leave) 
• Support for professional development and study opportunities 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver high quality legal services and solutions that meet expectations of stakeholders, compliance requirements and professional standards.
• Assist the Senior Legal Advisor and/or General Counsel with preparation of legal briefings and advice in respect to complaints, investigations, commercial arrangements, engagement with regulators, subpoenas, requests for interrogatories and other court driven processes and other school-based or office-based issues.
• Manage the triaging of legal work priorities across the team.
• Resolve complex legal matters and providing operational support for CECG, clients and stakeholders, that identifies and escalates legal and related risk.
• Review documents for the purpose of identifying legal issues, and undertake targeted research of applicable legislation and case law.
• Provide assistance in responding to requests relating to the interpretation and application of family court orders and personal protection orders.
• Provide assistance in responding to requests for information under the Privacy Act 1988, and other Privacy related issues.
• Support the drafting of a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Consistent with Catholic Education's Statement of Values and Ethics, employees in Catholic Education are responsible for upholding the mission by modelling positive relationships and acting in a manner that creates a safe and productive educational and pastoral environment.

Qualifications 

• Completion of undergraduate or post-graduate degree in law or other related discipline.
• Ideally 3+ years experience in a legal or related discipline.
• Ability to obtain/maintain legal practicing certificate.
• Current working with children registration/clearance.
• Current driver’s license.

Selection Criteria  

1. High-level organisational skills, including attention to detail, excellent time-management skills, the ability to set and manage priorities, multitask, work effectively under pressure and apply planning and problem solving skills.
2. Well-developed interpersonal skills, sound judgment and the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
3. Professional experience and working knowledge with computer software packages including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and electronic document applications (SharePoint is desirable).
4. Professional discretion, including tact and diplomacy, and an understanding of how to handle sensitive information.

Please refer to the position description for in-depth details regarding the criteria and skill set required. 
 
Other Eligibility Criteria 

• You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to be eligible to apply for this position. 
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory employment screening for child-related employment in accordance with CECG policy. 

Application Process 

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing the Professional and Technical Skills and Knowledge section in the position description and a current resume. 

For further information about the role and Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn please visit the website and position description.  

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact Rebecca Radanovich, People & Culture Officer, on 0475136048 or via email at rebecca.radanovich@cg.catholic.edu.au.