Senior Lawyer - Ethics and Practice

Adelaide | Full-time | Flexible working options

At the Law Society of South Australia, we support and strengthen the legal profession while advancing the law, upholding ethical and professional standards and serving the public interest.

We are seeking an experienced legal practitioner to join our Ethics and Practice Unit as Senior Lawyer - Ethics and Practice.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced legal practitioner to apply their expertise beyond traditional private practice and contribute directly to the standards, regulation and future development of the South Australian legal profession.

The position will particularly appeal to experienced litigators and practitioners with backgrounds in dispute resolution, professional conduct or regulatory matters who are seeking to apply their advocacy, analytical and problem‑solving skills in a broader public‑interest environment.

Working closely with the Director (Ethics and Practice), you will provide trusted legal expertise across a broad range of advisory, regulatory, educational and statutory functions. As a senior and experienced legal practitioner within the Unit, you will provide professional guidance and support to colleagues, contribute to operational and strategic initiatives and act on behalf of the Director when required.

The ability to navigate complex and sensitive matters with professionalism and confidence is essential.

The position will demonstrate professional leadership through expertise, sound judgment and influence, and will play a key role in supporting the Director and the Society's regulatory function.

About the position

As a Senior Lawyer within the Ethics and Practice Unit, you will work across a diverse and intellectually challenging portfolio spanning regulatory, advisory, educational and policy functions.

This includes:

Providing considered, high-quality advice on legal ethics, skilled 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

Applying litigation, advocacy and legal analytical skills to complex regulatory, disciplinary and professional conduct matters.

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.

Additional responsibilities include:

Supporting the Director (Ethics and Practice) in the effective operation of the Ethics and Practice Unit.

Acting as a senior legal resource within the Unit and providing professional guidance, mentoring and support to colleagues.

Contributing to operational and strategic initiatives that support the ongoing development of the Unit.

The successful applicant will also provide guidance and support to colleagues and contribute to team capability.

About you

You are an experienced legal practitioner, ideally with a background in litigation, dispute resolution, professional conduct or regulatory practice, who brings robust legal analytical skills, sound judgment and a commitment to professional standards.

You will bring:

Demonstrated litigation, dispute resolution or regulatory experience, together with the ability to analyse complex legal issues and exercise sound professional judgement. Experience in professional conduct, regulatory, investigative or advisory work will be highly regarded.

Applicants must hold, or be eligible to hold,



a South Australian Category C unrestricted practising certificate upon commencement.

Demonstrated post‑admission experience ordinarily consistent with five or more years PQE or equivalent capability.

The ability to analyse complex issues and exercise sound, independent judgment,

An 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.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills and a collaborative approach.

Demonstrated ability to provide professional guidance, mentoring and support within a legal team.

The confidence and judgment to act with delegated authority and support the Director on complex, sensitive and high‑risk matters.

Experience in a regulatory, disciplinary or investigative workplace will be highly regarded.

Intellectually engaging work - complex, varied and far from routine

Purpose-driven position contributing to the legal profession and public interest

Breadth of work across regulation, policy, education and advisory.

Engagement with senior stakeholders including the Supreme Court, Attorney‑General and key regulatory committees.

The opportunity to act as a senior legal adviser within a specialist regulatory team and contribute to the future development of the Ethics and Practice Unit.

Supportive, respectful and values‑driven team culture.

Professional development and strong sector exposure.

Flexible working arrangements including working from home two days per week.

Additional information

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Appointment is subject to a National Criminal History Check.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please note that while this position is predominantly office‑based during standard business hours, occasional early morning, evening and other out‑of‑hours work may be required to support committees, professional education programs, stakeholder meetings and Society events.

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📌 Senior Lawyer - Ethics and Practice (Adelaide)
🏢 Law Society of South Australia
📍 Adelaide