Senior Regulatory Lawyer / Counsel - Ethics & Practice

Adelaide | Full-time | Flexible working options

At the Law Society of South Australia, our work sits at the intersection of law, ethics and public interest.

This is a role for a legal practitioner who values deep thinking, sound judgement and principled decision-making - where your work goes beyond advising on individual matters, to shaping professional standards across the legal profession.

You’ll engage with complex legal, regulatory and ethical questions, contribute to important statutory functions and influence how the profession operates - guided by integrity, independence and accountability.

About the role

As part of the Ethics & Practice Unit, you will work across a broad and intellectually demanding portfolio spanning regulatory, advisory, educational and policy functions.

This includes:

- Providing considered, high-quality advice on legal ethics, professional obligations, and practice issues
- Analysing complex legal and regulatory issues and preparing well-reasoned advice and reports
- Supporting statutory functions under the Legal Practitioners Act, including disciplinary, trust accounting and regulatory processes
- Participating in court proceedings concerning legal practitioner regulation, investigation or discipline, where the Society appears as applicant or interested party
- Contributing to investigations, compliance activities, and practice supervision matters
- Developing policies, guidance materials and thought leadership for the profession
- Designing and delivering education and professional development programs
- Preparing submissions, papers, and materials for senior committees and stakeholders

You will also:

- Work closely with the Director of Ethics and Practice and other senior leadership
- Step into leadership and provide guidance when required
- Engage directly with influential stakeholders including the judiciary, regulatory bodies and senior practitioners

This is a role that requires independence of thought,



intellectual curiosity and the ability to navigate nuanced and sensitive issues with care and authority.

About you

You’re a thoughtful and capable lawyer who is motivated by substance, purpose and professional impact. You will bring:

- Strong experience across legal practice, advisory, regulatory or complex problem-solving environments.Litigation experience is highly desirable
- Applicants must hold, or be eligible to hold, a South Australian Category C unrestricted practising certificate upon commencement
- Demonstrated post-admission experience (typically 4+ years PQE or equivalent capability)
- The ability to analyse complex issues and exercise sound, independent judgement
- A genuine interest in legal ethics, professional standards and regulatory frameworks
- The capability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts clearly and persuasively
- A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to operate autonomously and step into leadership when required

You may be looking to move away from billable work, explore your leadership potential, and pivot in a new direction where your intellectual capability, judgement and values are central to what you do every day.

- Intellectually engaging work - complex, varied and far from routine
- Purpose-driven role contributing to the legal profession and public interest
- No billable hours - focus on quality work, not tracking time
- Breadth of work across regulation, policy, education and advisory
- Engagement with senior stakeholders including the Supreme Court, Attorney-General and key regulatory committees
- Supportive, respectful and values-driven team culture
- Professional development and strong sector exposure
- Versatile working arrangements

Additional information

- Applicants must have the right to work in Australia
- Appointment is subject to an Australian National Character Check
- Personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy

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📌 Senior Regulatory Lawyer / Counsel – Ethics & Practice (Adelaide)
🏢 Law Society of South Australia
📍 Adelaide