Positions vacant

As a service to our members, we maintain this page to disseminate information about legal roles and scholarship opportunities available in the ACT region.

Members of the Law Society may list jobs on this page for free. Non-members may also list jobs on this page, but a small fee will be charged. 

To advertise a job on this page, please contact memberconnect@actlawsociety.asn.au 

Positions vacant

The ACT Supreme Court has a scheme of criminal case conferencing in matters which have been committed for trial.

The objectives of conferencing are to:

· Require the early consideration by both parties of the charges and the available evidence with a view to identifying strengths and weaknesses in their cases;

· Make better use of Court resources while acknowledging the public and private interests in the administration of the criminal law;

· Encourage earlier, structured and more meaningful negotiations;

· Reduce the issues in dispute at trial;

· Identify any offences to which the accused is willing to plead guilty in satisfaction of other offences; and

· Record the outcome of the Conference so that it is available to the sentencing Court.

 

The ACT Supreme Court is seeking expressions of interest from legal practitioner who are:

· Registered as nationally accredited mediators; and

· Admitted as a practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory with at least 5 years post admission experience; and

· Have extensive experience in criminal practice.

 

Successful applicants are to be placed on a panel of convenors and must agree to the following terms:

· To be available to conduct criminal case conferences in person at the ACT Supreme Court every day in one week blocks

· To conduct conferences as allocated by the Registrar of the ACT Supreme Court between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm

· To be paid a daily fee as follows:

§ $1250 (inclusive of GST) for half a day (between 9:00am and 1:00pm, or 2:00pm to 5:00pm)

§ $2,500 (inclusive of GST) for a full day

· to submit an invoice to the Registrar of the ACT Supreme Court within 7 days after the block concludes

· The cost of any travel, accommodation and incidentals related to engagement as a convenor will not be reimbursed

· That there is no guarantee of any quantity or type of work

· That inclusion on the panel is for an initial period of 12 months for the calendar year 2027, but may be extended for a further period of 12 months

Please send your expression of interest to: SCRegistrar@courts.act.gov.au and mark it to the attention of Jayne Reece, Registrar ACT Supreme Court.

 

Expressions of interest should be limited to one page and be accompanied by a CV and evidence of current registration as an accredited mediator. Applications which do not include all these documents will not be considered.

 

Persons who have previously been included on the panel of criminal case convenors will need to reapply to be included on the panel for calendar year 2027.

 

For further information about the role please email: Jayne.Reece@courts.act.gov.au

The ACT Supreme Court invites expressions of interest from persons who are:

(a) Registered as nationally accredited mediators; and

(b) Legal practitioners who are or are eligible for admission as a practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory with at least 5 years post admission experience; and

(c) Have extensive experience in civil litigation

to be placed on a panel of mediators to undertake mediations in the civil jurisdiction of the Court. The mediations are conducted on the following terms:

· The Mediator’s fee is paid directly to the mediator within the timeframe directed by the Court.

· The fee is $1800 inclusive of GST per mediation.

· Mediations will be for a maximum of 4 hours unless otherwise agreed by the parties and the mediator.

· Mediations will be held at the ACT Law Courts Building unless otherwise agreed in advance by the mediator, the parties and the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

 

Inclusion on the panel is for an initial period of 12 months for the calendar year 2027, but may be extended for a further period of 12 months.

Please send your expression of interest to SCRegistrar@courts.act.gov.au marked to the attention of Jayne Reece, Registrar, ACT Supreme Court.

Expressions of interest should be limited to one page and be accompanied by a CV and confirmation of relevant qualifications. Applications which do not include all of these documents and address (a) to (c) above will not be considered.

Persons previously on the panel of mediators need to reapply to be included on the panel for the calendar year 2027.

For further information please email jayne.reece@courts.act.gov.au

Classification: Government Solicitor 1-3
Salary: $91,574 - $196,413 plus superannuation
Position No: ACT Government Solicitor (ACTGS) – Temporary Employment Register
Directorate: Justice and Community Safety
Advertised (Gazettal date): 22 September 2026
Contact Officer: Yin Jin on Yin.Jin@act.gov.au or (02) 6205 7238

Temporary Register:

  • Solicitor (Government Solicitor 1) – New to practice PQE – Salary range $91,574 to $134,037
  • Senior Solicitor (Government Solicitor 2) – 2+ years PQE - Salary range $140,177 to $166,957
  • Principal Solicitor (Government Solicitor 3) – 5+ years PQE – Salary range $174,342 to $196,413

Are you interested in temporary employment with the ACT Government Solicitor (ACTGS) and broadening your government legal expertise?  If so, you are invited to submit your curriculum vitae for placement on the ACTGS’ Temporary Employment Register.

The ACTGS is the ACT Government’s principal legal service provider. Together with the Office of the Solicitor-General, ACTGS operates as a legal practice providing legal services to support and protect the interests of the Territory, its Ministers and agencies.

The ACTGS is a dynamic legal practice, providing employment opportunities across a broad range of legal specialities. The Temporary Employment Register will be used to select lawyers for temporary, short-term engagements either on a full or part-time basis at the Government Solicitor 1, 2 or 3 level with particular focus on Government Solicitor Levels 2 and 3 at this stage.  

ACTGS is seeking motivated lawyers with experience and interest in the following areas of practice:

  • Public and Constitutional Law
  • Citizen Rights and Welfare (highly desirable)
  • Claims, Inquests and Inquiries
  • Commercial Projects and Disputes (highly desirable)
  • Property, Land and Construction
  • Regulation
  • Employment

Roles will be filled based on operational requirements and the business needs of the ACTGS. Applicants will be contacted if a vacancy arises suiting their skills and experience. Permanent employment opportunities will be advertised separately as necessary.  ACT Public Service terms and conditions will apply to any employment.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:  

  • The applicant must be admitted as an Australian legal practitioner.
  • The successful candidate will be required to undergo a National Police check.

Notes: This is a Temporary Employment Register that will be used to fill full-time and part-time positions at either the Government Solicitor 1, 2 or 3 level with a particular focus on Government Solicitor Level 2 and 3 at this stage. The full-time salary noted above will be paid pro rata for part-time hours. The ACTGS supports hybrid working arrangements which meet operational requirements and GS1 and GS2 solicitors also have access to flex time.

How to Apply: If you are interested in being placed on the Temporary Employment Register, please email your curriculum vitae and a completed Temporary Employment Register Form to ACTGSHR@act.gov.au.

Please contact ACTGSHR@act.gov.au if you have any questions.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

Note

This is a Temporary Employment Register that will be used to fill full-time and part-time positions at either the Government Solicitor 1, 2 or 3 level with a particular focus on Government Solicitor Level 2 and 3 at this stage. The full-time salary noted above will be paid pro rata for part-time hours.

Additional information
Close date: 31 January 2027

Senior Lawyer with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

  • Ongoing (Permanent) and/or Non-Ongoing (Fixed Term)
  • $120,448 to $140,835
  • All CASA office locations

The Role

CASA is looking for lawyers to join our Legal Services Branch and work on complex and interesting matters that support Australia’s aviation safety regulator.

Our lawyers work across a range of regulatory, public and corporate law matters. Depending on your experience and the role, your work may include:

  • interpreting and advising on aviation legislation;
  • public law and statutory interpretation;
  • commercial law, particularly contract advice;
  • information law, particularly freedom of information and privacy; or
  • conducting litigation and representing CASA in courts, tribunals and other external forums.

Understanding and applying CASA’s aviation legislation is an important part of our legal work, but you don’t need to be an aviation lawyer to be a strong candidate. We’re interested in lawyers who can bring relevant experience from other complex regulatory environments, as well as lawyers with expertise in litigation, public law, commercial law or information law. For more information about the role.

This positions key responsibilities include:

  • Reporting to, and working closely with Principal Lawyers in the branch and engaging across all business areas in CASA, with a view to ensuring existing and potential legal risks are identified and effectively addressed through advice and conduct of litigation.
  • Provide legal advice on complex matters involving statutory interpretation, commercial law, regulatory and corporate legal issues, and information access law
  • Conduct litigation in which CASA is a party before Courts and Tribunals
  • Manage complex applications for access to documents under the Freedom of Information legislation
  • Leading a team or work area with diverse skill sets and tasks, or managing a larger team where skill sets and tasks are related, by providing the team with operational direction including:
    • building a positive workplace culture that is safe and healthy, aligned with CASA’s Values, is respectful and free from bullying, harassment and discrimination; and is respectful
    • developing, coaching and mentoring employees to ensure they maintain a high level of specialist, professional and/or technical expertise, manage performance and undertake conflict resolution
    • contributing to and implementing work plans, strategies and priorities to manage resources effectively and ensure high quality outputs aligned to CASA priorities, monitoring workflow and performance
    • providing leadership in implementing and promoting a climate of change and continuous improvement.
  • Ensuring team compliance with all organisational requirements including information management, performance agreements (PACS), leave management, flexible working arrangements, timesheets and mandatory training completion ensuring organisational efficiency and risk management. Maintain accurate records, monitor adherence to policies and procedures, and escalate non-compliance issues as required.
  • Actively contributing to team goals while maintaining compliance with applicable legislative standards and guidance material, CASA’s Corporate Plan, policies, practices and standards, and in accordance with CASA’s Values, Regulatory Philosophy and assigned delegations."
  • Motivating, guiding, and developing self and others; empowering and providing direction to support colleagues. Being aware of others’ performance and supporting the achievement of performance goals and work expectations in accordance with CASA practices.
  • Providing expert advice on policy, operational processes, complex problem solving, and issues management relevant to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Implementing change and managing workplace uncertainty. Providing a significant contribution to innovation and business improvement strategies.
  • Maintaining a positive health and safety culture, including psychosocial wellbeing in the workplace and providing input, where appropriate, into decisions that may impact upon personal health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
  • Demonstrating awareness of the diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of First Nations Peoples and other cultural groups. Communicating with respect and understanding of balancing work, family and community responsibilities.
  • Initiating, positively engaging in and responding to change. Supporting others through change.
  • Other duties as required.

Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

  • Professional and/or technical expertise with the ability to integrate expertise and professional judgement into complex and sensitive matters.
  • A track record of identifying opportunities, building trust and influencing stakeholders, including management, to create positive lasting organisational impact.
  • Experience interpreting and adapting policies and procedures, to make recommendations or take informed decisions with limited guidance.
  • An ability to build credibility across all levels of the organisation and the ability to drive alignment without formal authority.
  • Developed communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to translate complex ideas or issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Mandatory Qualifications, licences and experience

  • Tertiary qualifications in law and admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or a Supreme Court of a State or Territory.
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas of law:
    • interpreting and advising about aviation legislation;
    • general public law and statutory interpretation advising;
    • commercial law, especially in relation to procurement; 
    • information law, especially compliance with freedom of information and privacy-related obligations; and
    • conduct of litigation.

Eligibility Requirements
Employment with CASA is subject to conditions prescribed within the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act) and the CASA Enterprise Agreement. The following eligibility requirements apply to this position:

  • At a minimum, prospective CASA employees must undergo pre-employment screening and must be willing to provide the required information to successfully undergo a police record check.
  • The position’s occupant must be an Australian citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain the level of security clearance as required.


For further information, please contact: David Thomas | +61 2 6217 1637 | David.thomas@casa.gov.au

You can click here for more information about CASA or to learn more about our people, culture and how to apply for a job at CASA here.

How to apply for a job at CASA

Position Description

Applications close on 1 November 2026.

Senior Legislative Drafter / Principal Legislative Drafter with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 

  • Ongoing (Permanent) and/or Non-Ongoing (Fixed Term)
  • $120,448 - $174,038
  • All CASA office locations, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane

The Role
CASA Legislative Drafters are responsible for drafting legislative and other legal instruments and reviewing drafting instructions provided to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. Legislative Drafters primarily work with aviation legislation such as the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 to draft the instruments necessary to ensure safe skies for all. Aviation legislation is complex and requires careful and intellectually engaging drafting to ensure it continues to support aviation safety. CASA drafting work primarily involves working closely with aviation subject matter experts and receiving drafting instructions to prepare new and amended Manuals of Standards, Civil Aviation Orders, Airworthiness Directives, Exemptions, Approvals, Determinations and Delegations. For more information.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Legislative Drafter (CS4) include:

  • Drafting CASA manuals of standards (MOS), civil aviation orders (CAOs), instruments of delegation and other legislative and legal instruments to ensure that they comply with legislative requirements and are valid, effective and legally enforceable.
  • Contributing advice on legislative drafting matters and legal policy to ensure that technical policy takes account of legal risks and issues, and that drafting instructions for the drafting of regulations are appropriate.
  • Developing collaborative partnerships within CASA to drive alignment, acting as a trusted advisor and building consensus around technical or other strategic directions without formal authority.
  • Translating technical work into business outcomes, by connecting expertise to organisational strategy, and balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.
  • Delivering agreed program of work in accordance with timeframes and budgets ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise with others to multiply others’ effectiveness.
  • Maintaining a positive health and safety culture, including psychosocial wellbeing in the workplace and providing input, where appropriate, into decisions that may impact upon personal health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
  • Demonstrating awareness of the diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of First Nations Peoples and other cultural groups. Communicating with respect and understanding of balancing work, family and community responsibilities.
  • Initiating, positively engaging in and responding to change. Supporting others through change.
  • Other duties as required.

Qualifications, licences and experience
Mandatory

  • Tertiary qualifications in law and admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or a Supreme Court of a State or Territory.

Desirable

  • An understanding of Australia’s Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act), and relevant CASRs and CARs, guidance materials and other legislation, or similar aviation regulatory regime.
  • Knowledge of the legislative processes for subordinate legislation, including the operation of the Legislation Act 2003.

Key Responsibilities of the Principal Legislative Drafter (CS5) include:

  • Drafting CASA manuals of standards (MOS), civil aviation orders (CAOs), instruments of delegation and other legislative and legal instruments to ensure that they comply with legislative requirements and are valid, effective and legally enforceable.
  • Providing advice on legislative drafting matters and legal policy to ensure that technical policy takes account of legal risks and issues, and that drafting instructions for the drafting of regulations are appropriate.
  • Partnering across teams and with CASA senior leaders to drive alignment, acting as a trusted advisor and building consensus around technical or other strategic directions without formal authority.
  • Translating technical work into business outcomes, by connecting expertise to organisational strategy, and balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.
  • Delivering agreed program of work in accordance with timeframes and budgets ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise with others to multiply others’ effectiveness.
  • Supporting and promoting a positive workplace culture that provides a safe and healthy workplace aligned with CASA’s Values, creating a respectful workplace that is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination; and engaging respectfully with colleagues and their team.
  • Demonstrating awareness of the diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of First Nations Peoples and other cultural groups. Communicating with respect and understanding of balancing work, family and community responsibilities. Initiating, leading, positively engaging in and supporting others through change.
  • Other duties as required

Qualifications, licences and experience
Mandatory

  • 7+ years of appropriate post qualification experience.
  • Tertiary qualifications in law and admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or a Supreme Court of a State or Territory.

Desirable

  • An understanding of Australia’s Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act), and relevant CASRs and CARs, guidance materials and other legislation, or similar aviation regulatory regime.
  • Knowledge of the legislative processes for subordinate legislation, including the operation of the Legislation Act 2003.

Eligibility requirements
Employment with CASA is subject to conditions prescribed within the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act) and the CASA Enterprise Agreement. The following eligibility requirements apply to this position:

  • At a minimum, prospective CASA employees must undergo pre-employment screening and must be willing to provide the required information to successfully undergo a police record check.
  • The position’s occupant must be an Australian citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain the level of security clearance as required.

About our Division
The Legal, International, Regulatory Affairs (LIRA) Division reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer/Director of Aviation Safety.  Under the leadership of the Executive Manager, LIRA has oversight of CASA’s legal affairs, and, in cooperation and coordination with other Groups and branches, international relations and the development of CASA’s international strategy and overarching regulatory policy.
 

Please note: Applicants must specify in their application which classification they are applying for CS4 or CS5. Only one position will be filled through this recruitment process. A merit pool may also be established for future vacancies at the relevant classification, should suitable candidates be identified.

Contact Officer for enquiries: Garrick Larkin | Garrick.Larkin@casa.gov.au | +61 2 6217 1248

Position Description

How to apply

Applications close on 1 November 2026.

At FGD, we’re not your typical law firm. We are a bold, progressive team who work hard, care deeply, and actually love what we do. We champion innovation, put people first (our clients, community, and each other), and pride ourselves on being paperless, flexible, and ahead of the curve. We only hire the best, and then give them the support, career growth, and generous remuneration they deserve.
 

Right now, we’re on the lookout for passionate Lawyers (1-2 years PQE) who want more than just a job. We’re after people who want to be part of something bigger, live our values, and have fun along the way. If you have Family law experience, great, but if don't and are thinking it might be an area where you can REALLY make a difference, we'd still love to chat to you!
 

If you get excited about:

  • Bringing your experience, and willingness to work hard and learn, to our beautiful Canberra office

  • Thinking outside the box in a paperless workplace

  • Thriving in a challenging, varied, and never boring role

  • Working for a market leader that genuinely looks after its people

  • Learning from (and alongside) some of the best family lawyers in the country

  • Embracing smart tech and helping shape the future of family law

  • Earning well while enjoying true flexibility

  • Following a clear career path (all the way to ownership if that's what you want)

We would love to meet you.

 

How to apply
Please email Anna (our People Manager) at recruitment@fgd.com.au

  • A story about yourself that tells us who you are (we want to know the person behind the CV)

  • Three things you love doing outside of work

  • How you take your coffee (or tea, or wine - we don’t judge)

Want to know more about us? Check us out at www.fgd.com.au.

 

Internal positions vacant

About the ACT Law Society
The ACT Law Society is the peak professional body representing and maintaining standards of solicitors in the Australian Capital Territory. We champion high standards of legal practice, protect practitioner integrity and safeguard community trust. As part of a strategic shift, we are transitioning our investigation and litigation functions in-house. As a result of an internal promotion, we are now seeking a new leader to develop this in-house function.

 

The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director, Regulatory Services, you will lead the Society’s investigations into disciplinary, suitability and litigated matters under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT). You will engage with the Society’s Council and delegated committees and represent the Society in mediations and before the ACAT and ACT Supreme Court. In addition, you will be responsible for the recruitment, supervision and development of staff and work closely with external legal providers.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee investigations into complaints about conduct and suitability matters relating to legal practitioners under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT);

  • Engage with complainants, practitioners, counsel and third parties through clear, professional communication; 

  • Prepare and present legal advice and briefing notes to Council and delegated committees on investigations, disciplinary, suitability and litigated matters in a timely manner;

  • Liaise with external counsel, legal representatives and interstate regulators as required;

  • Contribute to the development of internal policies, procedures, guidelines and reporting, to uplift and improve the Society’s in-house legal practice; and

  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives, sharing knowledge with other teams to support education programs and resources promoting ethical and professional legal practice.

 

What You’ll Bring

  • Admission as solicitor of an Australian Supreme Court with a current unrestricted practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one);

  • At least 8+ years PQE with extensive demonstrated litigation and advocacy experience;

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proven expertise in interpreting legislation, case law and regulatory rules;

  • Demonstrated sound judgment in assessing and resolving factual and legal issues;

  • Ability to quickly master new and evolving areas of law;

  • Excellent attention to detail and organisation in maintaining accurate records;

  • Experience in regulatory, disciplinary or complaint-handling environments (highly desirable); and

  • Sound understanding of administrative law principles and best practices (desirable).

 

Core Competencies

  • High integrity and professionalism, acting consistently with honesty, trustworthiness and respect;

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders;

  • Proven leadership and people management experience, including the ability to motivate, guide and support;

  • Strong planning and time-management capabilities, delivering to deadlines in a small-team setting; and

  • Commitment to fostering a workplace culture that reflects the Society’s vision and objectives.

 

What We Offer

  • Generous leave entitlements.

  • 35 hour full-time work week.

  • Flexible work arrangements available.

  • Access to Employee Assistance program.

  • A collaborative, values-driven environment where your leadership will shape the future of legal regulation in the ACT.

 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume together with a cover letter addressing your relevant experience and suitability for the role to eo@actlawsociety.asn.au

Any questions about the role can be sent to eo@actlawsociety.asn.au

We will review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply early, as we are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible.

Appointment to this role will be subject to a satisfactory background check, including a National Police Record Check, verification of the qualifications required for the role and conduct record check.

The ACT Law Society is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

 

Scholarship opportunities