Senior Associate - Public Law and Regulatory Compliance

Senior Associate - Public Law and Regulatory Compliance

The role primarily involves acting for State Government departments and statutory bodies in prosecutions, disciplinary proceedings and reviews of administrative decisions.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a fast paced, high-impact area and contribute to the continued growth of this practice within the firm. The role offers strong scope to build your expertise and grow alongside an evolving and expanding team.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Representing government clients in court and tribunals in prosecutions, disciplinary proceedings and reviews of administrative decisions (merits and judicial review).
• Advising on investigations and exercising enforcement powers and functions, including infringements, notices and orders and prosecutions.
• Reviewing evidence, drafting charges and briefs of evidence for criminal proceedings.
• Reviewing evidence and drafting allegations for disciplinary proceedings.
• Reviewing evidence and drafting advice on the prospects of success (criminal and disciplinary proceedings).
• Advising on statutory interpretation, good decision-making and natural justice requirements.
• Drafting enforcement manuals and decision‑making policies.
• Advising on subpoenas and public interest immunity and reviewing and advising clients on redactions and production of documents to Tribunals and Court.
• Representing government clients in Court on sensitive matters relating to community safety and protection.
• Acting on behalf of the Department of Justice and Community Safety on Serious Offender Act applications.
• Advising on Public Law matters.
• Drafting statements and assisting with Coronial Court matters
• Appearing in courts and Tribunals and instructing counsel.
• Preparing clear, well‑reasoned written advice and recommendations.
• Briefing and instructing counsel as required.
• Managing litigation files from commencement to resolution.
• Undertaking legal research to remain up to date with legislative changes and case law developments.
• Contributing to business development initiatives, including drafting articles, delivering client presentations and webinars, and supporting the RK Vic Gov CPD Day.
• Proactively identifying new business development opportunities.
• Contributing to the Learning and Development programs at Russell Kennedy, including creating and presenting CPD sessions for others at the firm.
• Involvement in the supervision and mentoring of both junior lawyers, and law graduates, fostering their professional development and growth within our team.
• Time recording and billing.
• Maintains cyber security at all times. Cultivate an awareness of security risks, stay informed of latest cyber threats, instil best cybersecurity practises and take practical steps to protect the firm and client from cyberattacks.
• Any other reasonable duties as directed by the partners.

Skills/Knowledge

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret information and identify key issues.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all work.
• Demonstrated initiative, with the capacity to apply critical and strategic thinking to tasks and challenges.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Well‑developed business development skills with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Experience

• Minimum 4+ years' PAE litigation experience in the areas of prosecutions and Administrative Law.
• Experience in prosecutions and a sound understanding of criminal procedure is highly desirable.
• Experience managing litigation files under supervision, with the ability to progress matters efficiently and responsibly.
• Broader litigation experience will also be valued and taken into consideration.

Our Firm and Culture

Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380 people in Melbourne and Sydney. At Russell Kennedy we are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market‑leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

We're committed to making a difference for our clients, providing opportunities for our people, and delivering lasting change for our community. As part of our team, you'll receive hands‑on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle.

At Russell Kennedy, we respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm is dedicated to creating an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. This is regardless of all differences, including culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, age, religion, personal circumstances, physical features, abilities and disabilities, socioeconomics and sexual orientation.

We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. We are committed to being an LGBTIQ‑friendly and disability‑confident employer. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives including, the Russell Kennedy Women's Network and our Diversity and Inclusion committee, with three key focuses: Access RK (Accessibility and Disability), Kaleidoscope (Cultural Diversity) and Pride@RK (LGBTIQ).

Russell Kennedy is dedicated to creating and participating in a meaningful process of reconciliation as part of the broader national reconciliation movement. Our key aims in embarking on our first RAP are to celebrate the deep knowledge of First Nations communities, the longest continuing cultures in the world, acknowledge past wrongs and to begin to build a structured future together where we can play our part in righting those rights though our own reconciliation initiatives.

Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting the best talent available and is open to discussing flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments for all of our listed vacancies.

Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Kat Pena on (03) 8637 9496.

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