• A rare permanent opportunity to represent the State of Queensland in some of its largest and most significant industrial relations disputes.
• Appear regularly before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission in complex industrial arbitrations.
• Benefit from flexible work arrangements, including part-time options, together with a comfortable and realistically achievable 5.5 billable hour target.

Job details

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.

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.

Your work will include:

• Legal research & drafting
• Developing litigation strategy for complex industrial disputes.
• Appearing as Advocate before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
• Presenting verbal submissions.
• 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

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• 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?

Crown Law offers a career that is intellectually stimulating, personally rewarding and supportive of your work-life balance.

Here's what you can expect:

• A permanent Queensland public sector opportunity.
• Advocacy-focused practice with regular appearances before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
• Opportunity 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.

APPLY NOW or contact Georgina See on (07) 3221 1229, or via email at georgina@lawstaff.com.au

Please use the 'apply online' facility and create a My SmartJob account to submit.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference:  QLD/694913/26

Closing Date:  Thursday, 30th July 2026

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.

• 694913-26-Role Profile.html (Word, 124KB)