As the in-house law firm for the Queensland Government, Crown Law offers a truly unique and rewarding opportunity to provide integrated legal services that directly impact the State and its people. You'll join a team trusted to advise on and advocate in some of Queensland's most significant workplace and industrial relations matters.

About the Role

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced advocate to join Crown Law's Workplace Law Team as Special Counsel SO level, reporting directly to Damian Riggall, Assistant Crown Solicitor. This permanent position has been created to support a growing pipeline of significant industrial arbitrations arising from enterprise bargaining negotiations across the Queensland public sector. You'll act on behalf of the State of Queensland before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission in arbitrations under section 180 of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), with multiple large‑scale matters already underway and continuing well into next year.

Responsibilities

Unlike a traditional employment law role, this position is heavily advocacy‑focused. You'll regularly appear before Industrial Commissioners, running complex matters from commencement through to final hearing.

- Legal research & drafting
- Developing litigation strategy for complex industrial disputes
- Appearing as Advocate before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission
- Leading evidence in chief, cross‑examination and re‑examination
- Advising Queensland Government departments throughout enterprise bargaining disputes
- Managing client relationships
- Some Practice Management responsibilities
- All while working closely with a highly regarded team of workplace law specialists

Skills and Experience





- Formal qualifications in law as well as current admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland (or immediate eligibility for admission)
- Significant advocacy experience in contested hearings
- Approximately 10+ years’ post-admission experience (although candidates with lesser years’ but with exceptional advocacy experience, including at the Bar, will be considered favourably)
- Demonstrated experience conducting verbal submissions, examination‑in‑chief, cross‑examination and re‑examination
- Extensive knowledge of employment law, industrial relations and discrimination law
- Experience appearing before courts or tribunals and managing complex litigation from commencement to final hearing
- Familiarity with the Industrial Relations Act 2016; Industrial Relations (Tribunals) Rules 2011; Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Rules 2009; and rules of the Federal and High Courts

Applicants from private practice, government, specialist workplace relations practices and the independent Bar are encouraged to apply.

Why Join Crown Law?

- A permanent Queensland public sector opportunity
- Advocacy-focused practice with regular appearances before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission
- Chance to work on significant enterprise bargaining disputes affecting the Queensland public sector
- WFH and flexible work arrangements, including a 36.25‑hour work week and part‑time options
- Salary package: $166,623 – $174,339, plus leave loading, plus 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
- Relocation applications welcomed
- Access to professional development, mentoring and career progression within one of Queensland's leading workplace law practices
- A collaborative, inclusive culture focused on excellence, integrity and public service

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Special Counsel - Workplace Law (Industrial Arbitrations) (Brisbane City)
🏢 Law Staff
📍 Brisbane City