Job title: Special Counsel, Region QLD
Reporting to: Managing Lawyer, Region QLD
Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy.
The opportunity is to recruit an experienced litigator to lead litigation and related advice, with junior staff, on issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity and environmental protection in Queensland. The role involves delivering systemic change, chiefly in relation to fossil fuel developments and climate change, and also addressing biodiversity issues such as deforestation. The role will include non-litigious advice work, policy and law reform, and engagement with clients to protect the environment.
Responsibilities include:
* Lead litigation and provide related advice, with supervision of junior staff
* Deliver non-litigious advice work and engage in policy and law reform
* Think creatively about delivering systemic change in climate change, biodiversity, and environmental protection
* Represent EDO in the media as required
Candidate profile
You will have an unrestricted practising certificate and strong post-qualification experience (PAE) with demonstrated litigation experience—preferably in environmental matters. You should be passionate about leading EDO's climate and biodiversity work in Queensland and able to work with autonomy within a collaborative team. You should think creatively about delivering systemic change in climate change, human rights, biodiversity and the environment, enjoy supervising and mentoring legal staff, and support the professional growth of the team.
EDO is a diverse and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and members of the Global Majority are particularly encouraged to apply.
Key selection criteria:
* An unrestricted practising certificate or entitlement
* Minimum 5+ years PAE (8+ years desired) as a solicitor with litigation experience
* Demonstrated experience leading litigation in environmental, administrative and/or human rights or related disciplines
* Demonstrated experience in administrative and/or environmental law (highly desirable)
* Experience undertaking law reform or policy work (desirable)
* Experience supervising, mentoring and contributing to professional development of legal and non-legal staff
* Experience working with diverse communities and individuals, including First Nations, desirable
Core Skills
* Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in high-pressure scenarios
* Ability to work productively autonomously within a collaborative team and meet deadlines
* Excellent oral and written communication skills suited to a range of audiences
* Good file management and delegation skills
* Ability to represent EDO in the media
Personal qualities and cultural competency
* Champion of EDO values
* Strong initiative and self-motivation
* Discretion and emotional intelligence
* Commitment to environmental protection and related human rights
* Ethical practice and understanding of professional obligations
* Awareness of needs and concerns of First Nations peoples and diverse cultures
* Thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment
Our culture and benefits
We are committed to equal opportunity and a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
* Part of the largest environmental law practice in the Australia-Pacific
* Flexible and family-friendly workplace
* Some flexibility to work from home
* 8 weeks paid parental leave
* 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave per year
* 3 days paid cultural leave per year
* Additional leave over Christmas
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* Opportunities to participate in NAIDOC Week events
* ICIP and Colonial Loading protection within employment contract
* Commitment to JEDI and Mental Health initiatives; First Nations Program guidance
* Affinity groups for Disability, Global Majority, and LGBTQIA+
Our values
Commitment – justice for communities and the environment; Diversity – inclusive across staff and stakeholders; Integrity – professional, ethical, and effective; Vision – lead change with innovation and courage.
How to apply
* Click 'Apply here'
* Review the position description at: https://www.edo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EDO-Position-Description-Special-Counsel-QLD-February-2026.pdf
Applications close on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Please include a CV and a letter addressing each selection criterion.
EDO particularly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Pacific Island people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, workers of all ages, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Please note: Your application may be considered for future roles at the EDO within the next 12 months without additional advertising. If you have accessibility needs, please let us know in your application or by emailing .
All offers may be subject to background checks, including police checks and verification of eligibility to work in Australia.
Role TypePay Rate
137,427 AUD – 137,428 AUD (Annual)
Company Overview
Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the leading environmental law practice in the Australia Pacific Region, delivering legal solutions for people, nature and our climate. We are committed to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, litigation and law reform advocacy. Our team is dedicated to inclusion and excellence, with a long track record of empowering communities.
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