Senior Principal Lawyer – Administrative Law

• Lead work on complex, high-profile matters that have real impact across Queensland
• Join a respected and collaborative legal team
• Build your career in a role that blends leadership, strategy, and hands-on legal work
Your New Workplace

Crown Law is the in-house law firm for the Queensland Government dedicated to supporting the State in achieving its priorities and meeting its legal obligations. At Crown Law, you will be part of a talented and purpose-driven team, working on some of the most novel and complex matters in the public sector—work that helps shape the future of Queensland. With opportunities for meaningful work, mentorship and long-term development, it’s a unique and rewarding place to grow.

Job details

Your New Team

The Administrative Law Team sits within Crown Law's Commercial Branch and is recognised for its expertise in handling complex and high-impact matters involving judicial review, statutory interpretation, and information law. With a balanced mix of litigation and advisory work, the team advises government clients on the exercise of statutory powers, privacy obligations, and access to information—often in matters of significant public interest.

Your New Role

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced lawyer to step into a senior leadership role within Crown Law's Administrative Law Team. The Senior Principal Lawyer will manage a diverse and stimulating mix of litigation and advisory matters involving judicial review, privacy, public interest immunity and statutory interpretation. This position involves acting in high-profile, often precedent-setting legal matters, and requires a nuanced understanding of administrative law frameworks. The successful candidate will play a key role in guiding legal strategy, mentoring colleagues, and supporting the Assistant Crown Solicitor in managing team operations, client engagement as well as business development including delivery of workshops and legal updates.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative legal advice and representation in complex administrative law matters
• Lead and manage high-value litigation and advisory matters, including judicial review proceedings
• Support team operations including recruitment, client billing, budget management, and performance development
• Act as a legal mentor and expert advisor within the team and across Crown Law
• Participate in Crown Law-wide strategic initiatives and business planning
• Deputise for the Assistant Crown Solicitor as required

Culture & Benefits

Reflecting the rich diversity of Queensland, Crown Law brings together people from all backgrounds—First Nations, migrant communities and beyond. With a strong focus on inclusion, collaboration and professional growth, Crown Law offers a rare blend of impactful legal work and a supportive culture that helps careers thrive.

Some of the benefits include:

• Realistic billable hours targets of 5.5 per day;
• Leave loading + 12.5% superannuation;
• Parental leave eligibility after 12 months
• Long service leave after seven years
• Corporate health and wellbeing program;
• Additional leave over the Christmas shutdown
• Salary packaging options also available.

Your Skills Profile

• ~8+ years PAE in administrative law (State or Federal experience) and civil litigation, particularly judicial review;
• Proven ability to deliver complex legal advice and lead litigation in high-stakes matters
• Strong technical knowledge of Judicial Review Act 1991, the Right to Information Act 2009, the Information Privacy Act 2009 and Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunals Act 2009
• Experience engaging directly with government clients and stakeholders
• Superior legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
• A collaborative leadership style and genuine interest in mentoring and developing your team;
• Proven success in driving high levels of client service and engagement;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication;

Applications including a short covering letter outlining your interest and suitability and your CV must be submitted via SmartJobs.

To discuss this role call Alex or Sophie on 07 3210 0992 for a strictly confidential discussion quoting reference number 1326205.

Applications close Friday 23 May 2025.

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.

• 633780 25 - Role Description (Word, 1.64MB)
  
  
  633780 25 - Applicant Guide (PDF, 1.49MB)