Special Counsel

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (the Assembly) is the voice of Aboriginal people in Victoria in the next stage of the Treaty process. It is made up of Victorian Traditional Owners, elected by Aboriginal Communities, for Aboriginal Communities, to advance our rights, interests and benefits.

The Assembly's objective is to promote the self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians through the Treaty process by:

• Acting as the First Peoples' Representative Body to negotiate and agree Statewide Treaty and Interim Agreements,

• Acting as the Aboriginal Representative Body to support Treaty negotiations (including administering the Self-Determination Fund),

• Enabling Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians to exercise sovereignty, the right to self-determination and other rights; including those contained in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Walk with us and make history

THE ROLE:

The Special Counsel role is responsible for:

·       assisting the General Counsel to deliver legal services and manage legal risk to support the Assembly to achieve its objectives

·       providing, and assisting in the provision of, legal advice specifically related to ongoing Treaty matters.

KEY DUTIES:

·       Assist General Counsel to provide high quality and timely strategic legal advice to the Co-Chairs, Council, CEO and across the organisation. This includes legal advice across a broad range of areas, including public law, corporate, commercial, property & ICIP, and employment law etc.

·       Provide high quality and timely strategic legal advice to the Co-Chairs, Council and Members specifically on Treaty-related matters including:

o   The performance of the Assembly's functions under the Treaty Negotiation Framework and other Treaty element agreements, including disputes with the State.

·       Leading the drafting of Treaty agreements.

·       Management of internal & external stakeholder relationships in line with the objectives of the Assembly.

·       Identifying legal developments relevant to the Assembly and advising on potential opportunities and impacts.

·       Participating in professional development activities, Assembly networks and meeting continuing legal education requirements.

·       Assisting the Legal and Risk team in providing strategic legal advice, drafting and review of briefing documents.

·       Supervision and development of lawyers in the Legal Team.

·       Other duties as directed.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

·       Comprehensive knowledge of Victorian Aboriginal Communities and organisations.

·       Demonstrated skill and capacity to work effectively and with integrity in the context of a Victorian Traditional Owner Representative Body.

·       Degree in Law and 10+ years post-admission experience.

·       Expertise in the areas of public law, Indigenous legal issues. Experience in constitutional law desirable.

·       Holds or eligible to hold practicing certificate.

·       Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and leadership skills.

·       Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain and express complex legal ideas in a clear, accessible form to suit the audience.

·       Broad legal knowledge and exceptional legal judgement and analytical skills.

SALARY:

Salary from $160,016 per annum (full-time equivalent) plus superannuation plus salary packaging, based on experience and expertise.

Location

This role is based in our Collingwood office with the option to work hybrid.

How to Apply:

Please visit our website to review the full job profile and to find out more about us on Treaty journey. Work With Us — First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria ).

If you are ready to take on a challenging role and make a significant impact, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other supporting documents to  or follow the prompts to Apply Now

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that interviews may commence prior to application close dates as suitable applications come through so job may be filled before close date.

Application Closing Date: 12 October 2025