Lawyer / Policy Officer(Criminal & Civil Law)

at  Law Institute Victoria

• Full time 12 month contract with a view to permanent role
• Work in the Legal Policy Department
• Hybrid Working Environment
• Staff Development and Professional benefits such as membership subsidy and study leave

ABOUT US:

The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) is the state’s peak body for lawyers. Representing more than 20,200 members the LIV’s purpose is to promote the highest standards of ethical and legal practice, education and service excellence in the practice and administration of law to ensure the community benefits from strong legal representation, effective advocacy, and a fair and equitable legal and justice system.
We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to our members and the development, maintenance, and the sustenance of the law for the benefit of the community.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The lawyer / policy officer will primarily support the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Criminal Law Section and the Agency Prosecutions Section. The LIV Legal Policy, Advocacy, and Professional standards team represents, supports and advocates for the legal profession and the broader community through the development of policy, law reform and advocacy initiatives.
Key reform areas include policy platforms to advocate for proactive reform in areas of bail, sentencing, diversion, prisoner rights, and restorative justice. Advocacy stems beyond the primary work of written submissions, including drafting policy proposals, briefing the LIV President, CEO, and the Co-Chairs of the Criminal Law Section in meetings with heads of jurisdictions, stakeholder working groups, media, and at public appearances before parliamentary inquiries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• leading, in collaboration with the Manager and Head of Legal Policy, the development and management of influential law reform campaigns on issues of significance for the legal profession and broader community;
• identifying and acting on emerging legal issues and trends in Australia and overseas to initiate policy development and solutions;
• cultivating strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders at all levels, both external and internal, to influence and collaborate on policy development, law reform and joint projects
• monitoring legal, policy, and other (e.g. technological) developments relevant to their area of expertise;
• delivering high quality relevant and up-to-date information and resources to assist legal practitioners;
• identifying key topics for, and contributing to, continuing professional development programs and events for legal practitioners; and
• leading junior members of the team as directed by the Manager and Head of Legal Policy and the General Manager, Policy, Advocacy & Professional Standards;
• providing proactive support and advice to the Manager and Head of Legal Policy and Innovation and LIV leadership on legal policy and practice issues;

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, YOU WILL DEMONSTRATE:

• Good knowledge and experience of criminal law and regulatory issues
• Experience in legal policy development and advocacy
• High level legal research skills, including an ability to interpret legislation and provide advice on complex legal issues
• Experience in negotiating and collaborating with key stakeholders on legal policy matters
• Demonstrated conflict management skills to anticipate and minimise conflict, and negotiate solutions
• Knowledge of pertinent issues within the criminal justice sector, LIV past advocacy and post-COVID policy platforms is desirable.
• at least 2 years experience (or a lawyer with at least 1 year PQE within a criminal practice) is preferred.
  The LIV encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin, LGBTIQ+ communities and from diverse cultures, language groups, and people with disabilities.
  If you are interested in joining a highly respected membership organisation that values respect, integrity, collaboration, accountability, curiosity and a focus on service excellence, please apply.