Practice Manager, Southern Region

**About the Role**:
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate legal professional to oversee and mentor a dedicated prosecutions team, ensuring that high-quality and impartial legal services are provided in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and associated regulations.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Practice Manager to lead and manage prosecution services for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) across the jurisdictions of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Based in Port Melbourne or Adelaide, the Practice Manager will provide strategic direction, specialist support, and advice to the Director of Prosecutions on staff management, prosecutions, court outcomes, and the Orders Register.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Leadership & Management**: Oversee and manage the prosecution team in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, ensuring the delivery of professional, impartial, and high-quality adjudications. This includes preparing for and attending court appearances, handling summary hearings, call-overs, appeals, legal advice, and written correspondence.
- **Staff Development**: Motivate, mentor, and guide your team to achieve excellence in prosecution services, providing support and direction on complex matters.
- **Case & Team Coordination**: Manage case-loads and coordinate team activities to ensure timely completion of cases and successful court outcomes. You will also be responsible for tracking and managing the Orders Register.
- **Expert Legal Advice**: Provide expert advice to operational staff and prosecutors regarding legislative and regulatory matters affecting the prosecution of heavy vehicle breaches.
- **Stakeholder Engagement**: Foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including enforcement partners, legal practitioners, and court officers, to facilitate the smooth conduct of prosecutions.
- **Policy & Program Development**: Contribute to the development of policies and programs that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of NHVR prosecution services.
- **Compliance & WH&S**: Ensure all NHVR policies and procedures are followed, with particular emphasis on maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

**Skills and Capabilities**:

- **Prosecution Experience**: Demonstrated competence in handling prosecutions, including trial preparation, working with court procedures, summary procedures, and relevant Acts.
- **Communication**: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders, including staff, counsel, police, witnesses, and the public.
- **Team Leadership**: Proven ability to lead and manage a team effectively, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- **Ethical Standards**: A commitment to upholding high ethical standards within a prosecutorial framework, ensuring impartiality and confidentiality are maintained.

**Qualifications and Experience**:
**Essential**:

- Admitted or eligible for admission as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Practitioner in the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
- At least 5 years of post-qualification experience in litigation, particularly in trial preparation and court procedures.
- Strong commitment to professional standards, confidentiality, prosecutorial guidelines, and conflict-of-interest management.
- Willingness to work outside business hours and travel intrastate and interstate, including overnight stays.
- Proven experience in managing and leading complex trials.
- Current driver’s licence.

**Highly Regarded**:
Experience representing the Crown in the conduct of prosecutions.

**Why Join Us?**

At NHVR, we are committed to providing a supportive and dynamic environment where you can make a meaningful impact. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while ensuring compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law and contributing to safer, more efficient roads across Australia.

If you're a motivated legal professional with a passion for justice and leadership, we'd love to hear from you.