Senior Principal Lawyer

Position Overview

This unique permanent role offers the chance to represent Queensland's government in major industrial relations disputes, with a focus on advocacy before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. The role features flexible working conditions, including options for part-time engagement and a manageable target of 5.5 billable hours per day.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare detailed drafts related to industrial arbitration.
• Formulate litigation strategies for highly complex industrial disputes.
• Act as an advocate by appearing before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission in contested proceedings.
• Deliver persuasive oral submissions and lead examinations, including chief, cross, and re-examination of witnesses.
• Provide legal advice to various Queensland Government departments throughout enterprise bargaining negotiations.
• Manage client relations effectively and assume some practice management duties.
• Collaborate closely with a team of seasoned workplace law experts.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of formal legal qualifications with current eligibility or admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland.
• Demonstrated extensive advocacy experience, typically over 10 years post-admission, with some flexibility for candidates exhibiting exceptional courtroom skills, including Bar experience.
• Proven experience in managing complex litigation cases from initiation to resolution in courts or tribunals.
• Strong proficiency in verbal submissions and witness examinations in legal proceedings.
• In-depth understanding of employment, industrial relations, and discrimination law.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation and procedural rules such as the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), Industrial Relations (Tribunals) Rules 2011, Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Rules 2009, and Federal and High Court regulations.

Why This Role?

• Enjoy a permanent position within the Queensland public sector with intellectually stimulating and rewarding legal work.
• Opportunity to engage in significant enterprise bargaining disputes impacting the public sector.
• Benefit from a 36.25-hour work week, flexible hours including part-time options, and work-from-home possibilities.
• Competitive salary range from $166,623 to $174,339 annually, plus leave loading and a 12.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Support for relocation applications and access to ongoing professional development, mentoring, and career growth within a leading workplace law team.
• Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment upholding excellence, integrity, and public service values.

Additional Information

This position is directly supervised by the Assistant Crown Solicitor, Damian Riggall. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, 30th July 2026, and will remain active for twelve months following submission. Candidates from private legal practice, government sectors, specialist workplace relations, or independent Bar are invited to apply.