Principal Lawyer, Investigations and Litigation

About the ACT Law Society

The ACT Law Society is the peak professional body representing and maintaining standards of solicitors in the Australian Capital Territory. We champion high standards of legal practice, protect practitioner integrity and safeguard community trust. As part of our strategic shift, we're bringing our investigations and litigation functions in-house for the first time.

The Opportunity

You will lead a newly established in-house team responsible for investigating complaints and managing disciplinary and litigated matters under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT). This senior role will build and mentor a small team handling investigations and litigation, advise the Society's Council and its delegated committees, and represent the Society in mediations and before the ACAT and the ACT Supreme Court.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and conduct investigations into complaints about legal practitioners under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT).
• Manage, supervise and develop a team to undertake investigations, mediation and litigation, fostering a collaborative, service-focused culture.
• Engage with complainants, practitioners, counsel and third parties through clear, professional communication.
• Prepare legal advice and briefing notes for Council and delegated committees on investigation, discipline and litigation matters in a timely manner.
• Draft and file applications with the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) and appear on behalf of the Society, or brief external counsel as required.
• Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure efficient, proportionate and timely investigations and litigation.
• Produce periodic reports on caseload status, outcomes and systemic trends.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, sharing knowledge with other teams to support education programs and resources promoting ethical and professional legal practice.

What You'll Bring

• Admission as a solicitor of an Australian Supreme Court with a current unrestricted practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).
• Extensive litigation and court advocacy experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proven expertise in interpreting legislation, case law and regulatory rules.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in assessing and resolving factual and legal issues.
• Ability to quickly master new and evolving areas of law.

• Excellent attention to detail and organisation in maintaining accurate records.

• Experience in regulatory, disciplinary or complaint-handling environments (desirable).

• Sound understanding of administrative law principles and best practices (desirable).

Core Competencies

• High integrity and professionalism, acting consistently with honesty, trustworthiness and respect.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and people-management experience, with a track record of motivating and guiding teams.
• Strong planning and time-management capabilities, delivering to deadlines in a small-team setting.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture that reflects the Society's vision and objectives.

What We Offer

• Generous leave entitlements.
• 35 hour full-time work week.
• Flexible work arrangements available.
• Access to Employee Assistance program.
• A collaborative, values-driven environment where your leadership will shape the future of legal regulation in the ACT.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria via email to by 11:59 pm on Friday, 19 September 2025.

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Greg Williams, Director, Regulatory Services by email via

Appointment to this role will be subject to a satisfactory background check, including a National Police Record Check, verification of the qualifications required for the role, and the provision of a conduct declaration and consent.

The ACT Law Society is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.