Job details Position status Permanent Position type Flexible full-time Occupational group Justice & Legal Classification PO6 Workplace Location Brisbane Inner City Job ad reference QLD/559068/24 Closing date 07-May-2024 Yearly salary Fortnightly salary Total remuneration Salary Other Job duration Contact person Natalie Armstrong Contact details Phone: 0468 597 815 Access the National Relay Service The Principal Legal Officer provides authoritative legal and policy advice in the specialised area of the Magistrates Courts' civil jurisdiction to facilitate responsive service delivery. The Principal Legal Officer presides as Registrar in enforcement hearings, conducts settlement conferences for commercial and wage recovery disputes and provides professional oversight of the settlement conference team. Your responsibilities will include: Brisbane focus: Provide authoritative legal advice (both written and oral) in relation to complex civil enquiries, civil procedure, legal interpretation of legislation and queries from staff and clients/stakeholders, to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services. Respond to requests for advice from the judiciary and liaise directly on complex matters and referrals. Act as a first 'point of reference' for matters prior to being referred to a Magistrate. Preside as a Registrar in enforcement hearings, as required. Good working-knowledge of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999, Magistrates Courts Act 1921, Civil Proceedings Act 2011, Justices Act 1886 and the Industrial Relations (Tribunals) Rules 2011 (or ability to rapidly acquire the same), as well as associated legislation, policy, practices and procedures, to respond to queries from staff and clients/stakeholders. Conduct settlement conferences (as mediator) for commercial and wage recovery disputes in the Brisbane Magistrates Court. Ability to work autonomously in providing quick and accurate advice (both written and oral) in civil litigation and/or in mediating or resolving civil disputes, whether in the public or private sector. Provide professional oversight of settlement conferences, including professional development of trained Nationally Accredited Mediators and contributions to debrief meetings, to provide high quality mediation and conciliation services to court users. Coordinate training on legislative requirements for registry staff. Investigate and report on client complaints on civil matters, to improve the level of service provided to all court users. State-wide focus: Provide authoritative legal (both written and oral) and strategic advice in relation to matters of civil and wage recovery procedure, to ensure legislative compliance and consistent service delivery across all Magistrate Court registries. Provide expert legal advice to guide the development and introduction of best practice, system wide policies, practices and templates across the civil jurisdiction in the Magistrates Court, in conjunction with the Director, Practice Improvement and Engagement/Deputy Principal Registrar and Reform and Support Services. Liaise and build relationships with counterparts and managers in the Office of the Chief Magistrate and in the Supreme, District and Land Court Services to ensure consistency of practice. Undertake statutory functions as delegated by the Executive Director and Principal Registrar, Magistrates Courts Service. Provide high level legal research and analysis, review, and evaluation in relation to legal, policy and process issues regarding the operations of registries. Contribute to a community of practice, to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of quality civil, mediation and conciliation services. Attend intra- and inter-departmental meetings or workgroups where required, including via Teams. Applications to remain current for 12 months. Further information We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity. Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply. Documents Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below. Applicant Information Package (PDF, 394KB) 559068 24 Role Description (Word, 335KB)