Step into a high impact role with the QBCC as Team Leader Principal Lawyer, where you’ll guide a high performing team and drive strategic, solutions focused advocacy across complex administrative, judicial and appellate matters that shape regulatory outcomes for Queensland’s building and construction industry. In this pivotal position, you’ll manage administrative review proceedings, deliver sophisticated legal advice to senior stakeholders, advocate confidently at hearings, and oversee the development and performance of two junior lawyers, coordinating workloads and fostering talent to ensure timely, high quality legal services that strengthen the QBCC’s capability and reputation.

Job details

About QBCC

QBCC is Queensland's independent building and construction regulator dedicated to educating, protecting and supporting the industry and the community. Through fair, transparent and accountable regulation, we help build confidence and strengthen one of Queensland's most vital industries. 

This is a defining decade for the building and construction sector, and we are responding with focus and ambition, modernising services, deepening relationships and building internal capability to deliver at scale. Central to this journey is a commitment to people. We are shaping a workforce that is inclusive, high performing and future ready. By fostering equity, diversity and wellbeing, and creating safe and supportive workplaces, we are ensuring our people can thrive while delivering outcomes that matter for industry and the community.

About the role

As the Team Leader Principal Lawyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the QBCC's in‑house legal capability while delivering high‑quality legal and advocacy services across complex, sensitive and high‑profile matters. You'll lead the development of legal strategy and sophisticated documentation, provide expert legal advice on emerging and contentious industry issues and represent the QBCC in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, ensuring the delivery of trusted, high‑value legal outcomes.

You will mentor and develop a team of junior lawyers, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture while strengthening relationships with internal clients and stakeholders. You'll coordinate continuing legal education, support senior leaders across operational, regulatory and risk portfolios and champion exceptional client‑focused service, ensuring the legal function is proactive, solutions‑driven and aligned to the QBCC's strategic objectives.

This position is based in Brisbane. While there is flexibility to work from home, regular in-person attendance at the office is an important part of this role.

*Please refer to the Position Description for the Key Outcomes and Accountabilities and Candidate Attributes for this role*

About you

You are a confident advocate and strategic thinker with a passion for administrative law and public sector litigation. You thrive in complex environments and enjoy leading others to achieve excellence.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in civil or commercial litigation.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical and high‑quality legal advice.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust and credibility with senior leaders and internal stakeholders.
• A commitment to delivering client‑focused, solutions‑oriented legal services.
• Highly regarded:
  • Experience in administrative review litigation involving the QBCC
  • Experience in building and construction litigation or contracts
  • Experience in supervising junior lawyers

Mandatory Qualifications

• Admission as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland (or eligible for immediate admission). 
• Holder of practising certificate issued by the Queensland Law Society (or eligible for immediate issue of practicing certificate).  
• Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent)  
• Diploma of Legal Practice (or equivalent)  

Why Join QBCC?

At the QBCC, you'll be part of a purpose‑driven organisation that plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of Queensland's building and construction industry. You'll work alongside dedicated professionals, contribute to meaningful regulatory outcomes, and enjoy opportunities for ongoing professional development.  

Added perks include:

• No billable hours
• Access to flexible working arrangements that promote and support work life balance which includes start and finish times, the ability to request compressed hours and the option to accrue flex time.

How to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your current resume and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience complement this role based on the Candidate Attributes outlined in the Position Description.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date of this vacancy and may be considered for appointment to identical vacancies within the QBCC. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• QBCC Information for Applicants - May 2025 (PDF, 1.06MB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  PO5 Team Leader Principal Lawyer PN 1165 - PD (1) (PDF, 789KB)
  Role Description