Senior Lawyer or Special Counsel

MPS Law is inviting applications from experienced native title practitioners to join our boutique practice, to support growth.

About us

Founded in 2016 as a sole practitioner practice, MPS Law is a boutique practice specialising in native title, commercial law and dispute resolution. We continue to achieve landmark results for our clients and are proud of our reputation as dedicated experts who do the right thing in a complex area.

MPS Law has exciting projects nation-wide and continues to grow, with an agile team of passionate lawyers and support staff. We are collecting awards along the way, and while that's deserving recognition, what drives us is our passion for client self-determination.

We're always improving and undertake regular professional development, including unconscious bias training and Aboriginal cultural sensitivity and respect training. We're a signatory to the National Pro-bono Target and the Law Council of Australia's Equitable Briefing Policy.

We're also a tight-knit team that looks after one another and celebrates diversity, with well-being policies and processes to proactively support the work-life balance. This includes access to employee assistance programs and weekly pilates. We also follow clear and transparent performance and planning processes, including weekly check-ins, regular team updates and formal six-monthly reviews. Our internal promotions show that we reward exceptional performance.

As a result of additional engagements around Australia, we are now looking to expand and consolidate our service offering the resolution of native title claims and assistance to Aboriginal corporations.

About the role

The role will be focused on assistance with native title claim resolution and with Registered Native Title Body Corporates (RNTBCs). Work will be diverse and may include litigation, agreement making and dispute resolution. Travel to regional and remote areas will be an integral part of the role.

Effective communication skills and high standards of written work will be essential to the role. Experience with native title claim resolution and assisting RNTBCs is essential, with the likely work suited to a senior level lawyer with more than five years of relevant experience.

The role is proposed to be full time, however there is potential for part-time for the right candidate. Although our office is based in Kaurna Country (Adelaide) and utilising our new CBD office facilities is preferable, there is an opportunity to work remotely, if required. If the work is based remotely, MPS Law will develop a plan to remain connected with team members based in Adelaide. Regardless, we also offer flexible working conditions including working from home.

The role will be well-rewarded with a salary that is commensurate with experience.

About you

We will warmly welcome an experienced native title lawyer with a strong track record, who shares our values and passion for client self-determination.

Extensive experience in native title claim resolution and advising RNTBCs is essential. Experience in dispute resolution, including facilitating meetings and mediating in native title, will be well regarded. Similarly, experience with native title litigation and agreement making will support your application. You will be able to demonstrate your exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and, your ability to work efficiently with high accuracy. You will have experience with practice management software, including time recording processes, and be committed to following risk management processes.

Your commitment to collaboration will be evident in the teamwork shown in recent projects, as will your ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision from other senior practitioners. You will have an unrestricted practising certificate in South Australia (or be eligible for admission and an unrestricted practising certificate in South Australia). Importantly, you will be able to demonstrate your respect for our clients, particularly our First Nations clients.

Next steps

If you are interested in a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please email your CV and a brief cover letter to the MPS Law Principal, Michael Pagsanjan at michael@mpslaw.com.au . Your cover letter should include a statement on your salary expectations and your preferred working arrangements.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as a Native Title Lawyer? What's your expected annual base salary? Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment? How much notice are you required to give your current employer? Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?

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