Senior Lawyer

Blacktown is a vibrant city located in the very heart of Greater Sydney, halfway between Sydney City and the Blue Mountains. It is a city of ambition and excitement. With a total of 54 residential suburbs, and population of 435,000 coming from more than 180 different birthplaces, Blacktown City is one of the most diverse communities in Australia.

Working in Blacktown City provides a wealth of professional opportunities. Blacktown City Council is the largest council in New South Wales, 4th largest in Australia and a leader in the development of the western Sydney region. With almost unmatched growth expected over the next 25 years, we are on an exciting journey of transformation to prepare for a population of more than 644,000. There has never been a more exciting time to join one of Sydney’s most dynamic and high-performing councils as we continue to deliver outstanding levels of service for our proud and diverse community and prepare our great city for the future.

Blacktown City Council strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

About the opportunity

This is a permanent, full-time, Senior Lawyer role, positioned for someone who has several years' experience as a Lawyer or Solicitor, and is ready for that next step in their career. While you will be hired for your expertise in particular fields, you will have the opportunity to grow and work across several areas and learn from one of the industry's best legal practitioners, in one of the fastest growing Council's in Australia.

This role will see you directly contributing to positive Legal outcomes, and Blacktown City's transformation journey. You will provide legal advice and advocacy to minimise legal risk to Council, as well as work external legal providers. You will be working closely with various Council services, keeping them informed of new or proposed legislation, as well as representing Council at first instance proceedings before Courts and Tribunals.

Qualifications and experience

Essential:

• Degree qualification in Law or relevant field
• In depth experience in Law related to Local Government (minimum 5 years)
• Extensive experience in leadership
• Admission to practice as a Solicitor in the State of New South Wales
• Current NSW Practicing Certificate or eligibility for NSW Practicing Certificate
• Extensive experience as an advocate and in Court attendance
• Knowledge of appropriate Court protocol and legal proceedings
• Extensive knowledge in the following areas:
  • Environmental Planning and Development Law and/or
  • Property Law and/or
  • Contract Law and/or
  • Environmental Law and/or
  • Local Government Law.
• Proven ability to research, assess and interpret information to formulate sound recommendations and provide specialist advice to enable the organisation to achieve quality outcomes
• Understanding and commitment to ethical practice and acting with probity at all times
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, sound judgement, discretion and confidentiality
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills that build strong, credible relationships and influence persuade or negotiate outcomes that add value to the organisation.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated appreciation of the complexity of Local Government, in particular the Local Government Act 1993 and Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Demonstrated ability in supporting compliance and regulatory enforcement
• Availability to work flexible working hours
• Current class “C” driver’s licence.

Remuneration and benefits

The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with Blacktown City Council’s Enterprise Agreement.

• A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate based on qualifications and experience
• Car allowance
• Opportunity to participate in Council's flextime arrangement
• Employee benefits such as leave entitlements (where applicable), 11% employer contribution payable to your nominated superannuation fund, Fitness Passport, gym membership discounts, and social clubs.

Our commitment to safety

Blacktown City Council is committed to safety. We have introduced alcohol and other drug testing at the pre-employment phase, and via a series of random and cause testing.

We are a child safe organisation that supports and promotes the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children.

Position description 

Click here to view or download the position description.

  Apply now using our fast and easy-to-use online application process:

1. Have your resume and any other relevant documentation ready to attach. 
2. Have a personal email address ready to use and complete your application without 'logging out' of the system.
3. Review the questions and decide on your responses before commencing your application.
   
   Best of luck.

Closing date:           Friday 5 July 2024, 11.59 pm    

Contact officer:       Mary Macken at Mary.macken@blacktown.nsw.gov.au 

Internal ref:              BCC1733