Costs Lawyer

4 days ago

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia ASIC Full time $123,444 - $144,180 per year

At ASIC, you can be the change that ensures a fair, strong and efficient financial system for the benefit of all Australians. Contribute to delivering on ASIC's purpose, vision, and strategic priorities to help maintain the integrity of the financial system and protect consumers from harm.

Join our team as a Costs Lawyer You'll play a crucial role in assisting Enforcement teams and Litigation Counsel by calculating and advising on recoverable litigation and investigation costs.

  • Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra or Brisbane (other locations to be considered)
  • Permanent
  • Salary range $123,444-$144,180 (plus 15.4% superannuation) depending on experience
  • Hybrid working – enjoy 2-3 days working from home
  • Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT, 13 October 2025

The team
The Legal Services Team is responsible for the delivery of legal services across ASIC and is instrumental in driving ASIC's reputation as a modern and effective regulator and enforcement authority. Legal Services is led by the General Counsel, Executive Director and comprises the following sub-teams: Enforcement Legal Services, Regulatory Legal Services, Corporate Legal Services, the Hearing Delegates Panel, and the Legal Operations Team.

The Civil Litigation team (which is part of Enforcement Legal Services) leads ASIC's in-house litigation practice. Our Litigation Counsel act as a solicitor on the record and are responsible for the conduct of ASIC's regulatory civil litigation in the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia and the State Supreme Courts.

The Civil Litigation team also manages ASIC's relationships with external law firms and provides strategic guidance in matters where ASIC has engaged an external law firm.

The role
As a Costs Lawyer, You Will Be Required To

  • Assist with calculating and advising on recoverable litigation and investigation costs.
  • Prepare documents and brief external costs lawyers.
  • Negotiate litigation and investigation costs on behalf of ASIC.
  • Recover civil litigation costs in consultation with Litigation and Special Counsel.
  • Brief external counsel on cost recovery.
  • Provide briefings to Senior Executives and Commissioners.
  • Identify and lead process improvement projects for cost recovery.
  • Stay updated on ASIC's governance and relevant legislation.
  • Ensure external and internal guidance on cost recovery is accurate.
  • Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Innovate cost recovery processes for the Legal Services team.
  • Provide general legal support to Litigation and Special Counsel.

About You
To excel in this role, you will need a Bachelor's degree in Law, admission to the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory as a solicitor or barrister, and a current legal practicing certificate (or eligibility to obtain one) from the relevant State law society. Your demonstrated skills and experience in calculating legal costs, particularly in civil litigation, will be crucial. Strong numerical skills and the ability to negotiate with external stakeholders regarding legal and investigative costs are essential.

Additionally, you should have a proven ability to analyse legal issues, advise on available options, and recommend the best course of action within a regulatory environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must, along with the ability to work independently with limited supervision and be accountable for outcomes. If you are detail-oriented, proactive, and ready to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you

Your application should include a CV of no more than 3 pages, with a covering letter of no more than 2 pages that addresses the selection criteria in the position description. The position descriptions for these roles can be found on ASIC's Careers page.
About ASIC
ASIC's remit is one of the broadest of regulators across the world. ASIC regulates corporations, markets, financial services and consumer credit and monitors and promotes market integrity and consumer protection in the Australian financial system. Through our enforcement work, we hold to account those who contravene the law, working to achieve strong outcomes that address the greatest consumer and investor harms.

ASIC is committed to a providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where the very best talent in Australia chooses to work. Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply as well as applicants from all backgrounds and with different abilities.

We Offer a Range Of Employee Benefits Including

  • Attractive superannuation
  • Additional leave entitlements
  • 50/50 hybrid work-from home model
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Assistance for study and professional development.

To work with us, you also need to be an Australian citizen and be prepared to complete an ASIC Suitability and Baseline Assessment.