Legal Counsel, Employment and Dispute Resolution

Overview

• Full-time, Fixed Term 12 months
• Salary Level HEW 9 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
• Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working

About the role

The Legal Counsel role sits in the RMIT Legal Services Group and is a service-focused, first point of contact for staff needing access to legal services on behalf of RMIT, which supports the General Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel – Employment and Dispute Resolution, in the Legal Services Group, to deliver high quality legal advice to clients within RMIT in a timely and customer-focused manner.

The role is responsible for providing legal advice to internal RMIT stakeholders on litigation, investigations, claims and subpoenas and legal disputes, in the areas of employment and education. The successful candidate in this role will support the RMIT legal team in delivering high quality, consistent advice that aligns with RMIT's legal obligations, organisational values and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a service-focused, proactive point of contact for internal clients and external parties across the People Portfolio (encompassing employee dispute resolution and workplace relations advice) and the Academic Registrar’s Group (regarding resolution of student disputes and providing advice on student conduct issues) (collectively known as the Supported Portfolios).
• Provide legal and strategic advice and support to the Supported Portfolios by advising on student and staff dispute matters, including negotiation, mediation and resolution, as well as managing court and tribunal proceedings, including the instruction of external law firms or counsel, where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain a productive and positive working relationship with key portfolio stakeholders and their teams.
• Develop and deliver business-focused training programs to the Supported Portfolios on relevant and contemporary legal subjects including as required by the General Counsel and the Senior Legal Counsel – Employment and Dispute Resolution.
• Maintain and enhance a suite of template documents for use within and by the Supported Portfolios.
• Manage the use of external legal advice as required by the General Counsel and the Senior Legal Counsel – Employment and Dispute Resolution.
• Create regular updates relating to legal matters relevant to the Supported Portfolios for publication through Legal Services Group communication channels.
• Comply with all RMIT policies and procedures.

About You

• To be successful in this position, you’ll have substantial experience working as a lawyer in workplace relations law (employment, occupational health and safety, and discrimination) as well as administrative law.
• Previous legal in-house experience in higher education, government or corporate environment, is highly desirable.
• Influence and stakeholder management, including demonstrated ability to lead RMIT's response to complex legal disputes, by presenting legal and strategic advice to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering solutions focused and practical legal advice with sound judgment, attention to detail and the ability to anticipate challenges and innovate solutions.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in a complex operating environment, ensuring legal advice is objective, independent, and clearly informs good decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously within a fast-moving team environment.
• Must hold a current practicing certificate as an Australian lawyer under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the Group

The Legal Services Group is responsible for the full range of legal services to all areas of the University. The Legal Services Group is committed to providing high quality legal services that are aligned with, and responsive to, the commercial needs of RMIT. A high level of customer service is required which means getting to know the different areas of businesses we service and tailoring advice to meet their needs to assist RMIT to achieve its strategic objectives. We do this by working collaboratively with our University colleagues and developing and maintaining relationships with subject matter experts within and outside of RMIT to ensure appropriate additional expertise is available when required.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing the key selection criteria for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Bianca Jenkins via email bianca.jenkins@rmit.edu.au.

Position Description