The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) is seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Government Lawyer to lead the delivery of high‐quality legal services to the Official Trustee in Bankruptcy (OT). This is a key leadership role within AFSA Legal, reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, Corporate, Reviews and Trustee Services, and supporting the OT across its personal insolvency and criminal assets management functions.
The Official Trustee in Bankruptcy (OT) is a body corporate under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 that performs functions similar to Registered Trustees, administering a broad range of personal insolvency matters, including bankrupt estates, personal insolvency agreements, and debt agreements. The OT typically undertakes matters that are in the public interest or not commercially viable for private trustees.
The OT also plays a vital role in the Commonwealth's proceeds‐of‐crime framework. Through the Criminal Assets Management (CAM) team, the OT manages and disposes of criminal assets confiscated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. These assets may include the sale and conveyancing of real property, removal of caveats, and the management and negotiation of property leases.
Key accountabilities
As a Principal Government Lawyer, you will co‐lead lawyers in delivering strategic, timely and practical legal services. The position description for all Principal Government Lawyers in AFSA Legal sets out the core skills and capabilities for the role.
Your focus will be on support for the OT's statutory functions, but you may also work on the range of legal services delivered by AFSA Legal.
You will primarily:
* Manage lawyers advising on the OT's administration of bankrupt estates and other personal insolvency matters.
* Provide specialist advice to OT case managers on the interpretation and application of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, estate administration issues, restrained and forfeited property issues and litigation risk.
* Oversee and coordinate litigation involving the OT, including briefing and instructing external legal panel firms.
* Provide advice on property disputes, real property transactions, and leasing arrangements.
* Support the OT in lodging caveats and help develop streamlined, consistent practices to improve efficiency.
* Deliver legal training, coaching and capability development for OT case managers and AFSA Legal staff.
* Identify and implement improvements to legal and operational practices, including standing instructions and standard operating procedures.
Qualifications and experience
* Degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or comparable qualification.
* Admission as a legal practitioner, however described, of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
* 7+ years of legal experience with a focus on litigation.
* Experienced in litigation and law practice, preferably in a government environment.
* Demonstrated experience in managing complex legal cases and providing sound legal advice.
* Insolvency experience, preferably personal insolvency.
* Regulatory experience.
* Experience in a leadership role with a department or regulatory agency.
All duties will be performed in accordance with:
* the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles
* WHS obligations, taking responsibility for own health and safety and that of others
* AFSA's risk management framework and relevant legislation, including guiding others to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks.
We are a workplace committed to providing an environment that values diversity and supports staff to reach their full potential. We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability. At AFSA we encourage every employee to balance their family commitments and personal interests with flexible working options.
The successful applicant must be an Australian citizen and willing or able to undergo a security clearance to the level of Baseline as a condition of employment. All AFSA employees must undergo a police records check to satisfy character requirements.
Persons who have received a redundancy benefit from APS agency employment and whose corresponding redundancy benefit period has not expired may be ineligible for employment.
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