Deputy General Counsel

• Do you want to work at an agency where each day reveals new opportunities to work on some of the biggest issues facing consumers and businesses and have opportunities to pursue new and exciting pathways?
• Do you want to work at a place where smart and dedicated people from all walks of life collaborate to work on meaningful matters?
• Do you want to work closely with the Chair, Commissioners and senior executives of the ACCC to deliver high-level, strategic and timely legal services?

Then this is the place for you! At the ACCC, we’re proud of the impact we can make together. We understand the responsibilities and challenges that come with a fast moving and ever-changing environment. Our high performing culture is built on a foundation of care, support and inclusion. It’s why we’re driven by connection and collaboration, sharing our skills, knowledge and support with each other freely and frequently. It’s why we prioritise the wellbeing of our people and empower them to work autonomously, flexibly and courageously. At the ACCC, we believe the best version of you is the one that’s true to who you are – and that’s the you we want working alongside us.

We value flexibility, and all roles can be performed from any capital city in a state or territory or Townsville and are available on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, people with disability and those from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What you will do as the Deputy General Counsel

• Lead a team of professionals, role modelling our leadership behaviours, supporting a professional and collaborative working environment, coaching, giving continuous feedback, resolving conflict and facilitating career progression.
• Manage complex legal advice and other legal services to the ACCC, particularly in relation to the ACCC’s functions and powers under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA), including the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and other relevant legislation.
• Provide high level strategic advice and direction to the ACCC including the Chair, Commissioners and other senior executives in relation to mergers and acquisitions, competition and consumer law, major investigations and proceedings involving alleged contraventions of the CCA, administrative law, regulatory frameworks, regulation of national infrastructure and other relevant legislation.
• As part of a team of staff, internal and external lawyers, manage a complex legal program, which may include hearings in the Competition Tribunal and proceedings before the Federal Court and the High Court.

About you

In addition to meeting the Work Level Standards for the SES Band 1 Classification and adhering to the Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours the successful applicant will have:

• Substantial legal experience at a senior practitioner level relevant to the functions of the ACCC and to the status of the ACCC as a Commonwealth agency, including expertise in administrative, competition and consumer law.
• Admission as a practitioner, however described, of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory is essential (you are required to hold a current Australian practising certificate).
• Tertiary qualifications in relevant field(s).

To find out more about us and the role, please read the Candidate Kit.

The ACCC is an independent statutory authority that administers the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and other Acts. The ACCC works to promote effective competition and fair trading in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community, and efficiency in the delivery of certain infrastructure services. The AER is a part of the ACCC. The AER is Australia's national energy market regulator and has an independent board. The AER shares employees, resources and facilities with the ACCC.