About the Law Council of Australia
The Law Council of Australia represents the legal profession at the national level; speaks on behalf of its constituent bodies on federal, national, and international issues; promotes and defends the rule of law; and promotes the administration of justice, access to justice, and general improvement of the law.
The Law Council advises governments, courts, and federal agencies on ways in which the law and the justice system can be improved for the benefit of the community. The Law Council also represents the Australian legal profession overseas, and maintains close relationships with legal professional bodies throughout the world.
The Law Council was established in 1933, and represents its constituent bodies: 16 Australian state and territory law societies and bar associations and Law Firms Australia. Through these bodies, the Law Council represents more than 110,000 Australian lawyers.
The Law Council's Secretariat is based in Canberra. Its website is
About the position
The International Law Section (ILS) is an expert group of the Law Council which provides a focal point for lawyers and others interested in transnational and international law matters, trade and business practice and international human rights issues to discuss current issues and contribute to the development of international legal practice and policy.
This is a part-time position requiring 15 hours per week.
The ILS:
· Gives its members the opportunity to develop professional contacts in their fields of practice.
· Provides a forum for debate on current issues and assists lawyers to develop and maintain their professional skills and knowledge through a schedule of regular seminars, workshops and courses.
· Promotes mentoring opportunities for lawyers wishing to undertake a career in international law.
· Distributes member-written contributions about current international issues, interesting case-law developments, and contemporary topics.
· Through its international chapters, provides opportunities for Australian lawyers working overseas to meet, network and filter back issues of concern to the Law Council of Australia.
· The ILS has approximately 175 members.
Duties
The Section Coordinator provides executive and strategic support to the ILS Executive Committee, while ensuring effective reporting, coordination and governance alignment with the Law Council of Australia. The position will also oversee and drive the ongoing operations, events, publications and member and stakeholder engagement of the Section, including supporting the operation of Section Committees, Forums and Chapters.
· Lead the planning, coordination, and management of the activities of the ILS in consultation with ILS Executive Committee, the Executive Officer, and International and Policy Divisions of the Law Council.
· Provide executive support to the ILS Chair and Executive Committee.
· Organise ILS Committee meetings, including the distribution of agendas and minutes, organisation of venues, attending to follow-up action and taking minutes for Executive meetings.
· Coordinate and promote ILS seminars, lecture series and events.
· Maintain the ILS Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system (Bond MX).
· Prepare and coordinate communications to ILS members.
· In collaboration with the ILS Executive, develop and implement strategies to grow ILS membership and improve member engagement.
· Coordinate contributions from the ILS Executive Committee and other ILS Committees and Forums to Law Council of Australia submissions.
· In collaboration with the Law Council's Communications Team, maintain and regularly update the ILS webpage and social media accounts.
· Assist with the editing of the ILS Podcast series.
· Assist with the preparation of ILS Section reports for Law Council Board meetings and contributions to the Law Council's Annual Report.
· In collaboration with the Law Council's Finance Team, the ILS Chair and Treasurer, assist in preparing and overseeing the ILS budget, and ensure diligent and resourceful expenditure.
· Other duties and responsibilities as required, including from time to time supporting other Executive Officers of Law Council Sections in cases of staff backfilling or absences.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Demonstrated experience in providing executive and high-level administrative support, including meeting support and minute taking.
2. Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage competing deadlines and priorities.
3. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare correspondence, minutes and governance papers.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and consult with a range of stakeholders.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work autonomously, exercising initiative, sound judgement and resourcefulness to deliver outcomes.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, online meeting platforms, CRM systems, and the ability to learn and adapt to using new systems.
Desirable
1. Previous experience in a member-based organisation.
2. An interest or past experience in transnational and international law.
3. Experience working with design software, podcast editing suites and event registration systems.
4. Experience supporting basic budgeting processes, including preparing and monitoring budgets and overseeing and reporting on expenditure.