Lead Solicitor

About Queensland South Native Title Services

Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is a Native Title Service Provider funded by the Australian Government to assist Traditional Owners in pursuing and exercising their native title rights and interests through the provision of statutory services under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

We are passionate about the work we do and the values by which we operate. We are committed to building trusted partnerships and walking alongside Traditional Owners, ensuring they have the information, time and support needed to make strong and informed decisions throughout the native title journey.

Our team of professionals is committed to the QSNTS Way: right people, right country, right path.

About the role

As a Lead Solicitor with QSNTS, you will lead and develop one of three legal service delivery teams to provide high-quality legal advice and services that support client priorities, self-determination and informed decision-making.

Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, you will act as the Solicitor on the Record in native title and other litigation. You will coordinate and oversee the work of Lawyers, Junior Lawyers and Paralegals, build team capability and ensure legal services are delivered effectively, consistently and in accordance with professional and organisational requirements.

You will work collaboratively with the Principal Lawyer, Chief Operating Officer, Litigation Specialist, Negotiation Specialist and other professional disciplines to deliver coordinated, culturally informed and client-led outcomes.

This is a full-time, permanent position based in Brisbane. Regular travel within Queensland, occasional interstate travel and weekend work are required.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and develop a team of Lawyers, Junior Lawyers and Paralegals.
• Act as Solicitor on the Record for native title and other litigation matters.
• Manage complex legal matters from commencement through to resolution.
• Provide legal advice across native title, future acts, cultural heritage, governance and compliance matters.
• Support and mentor emerging legal practitioners.
• Allocate work and resources to ensure matters progress effectively and client outcomes are achieved.
• Work collaboratively with specialist and multidisciplinary teams to deliver culturally informed, client-centred services.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal service delivery practices.
• Manage budgets, reporting obligations and operational requirements within your area of responsibility.

About you

To be successful, you will bring:

• Admission as a legal practitioner and a current Queensland Practising Certificate (or the ability to obtain one promptly).
• At least 4+ years post-qualification experience with at least 2 years in native title practice.
• Strong understanding of native title law, Indigenous cultural heritage law, corporations law, contract law, trust law and property law.
• Experience in future acts, cultural heritage, compensation, native title determination or commercial negotiations.
• Experience providing legal advice to Prescribed Bodies Corporate, including advice on governance, rule books and decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring legal professionals.
• Experience managing litigation, court processes and counsel engagement.
• Strong legal drafting, research and analytical skills.
• The ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, plain-English advice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to supporting team capability.
• An understanding of, or commitment to developing your understanding of, issues affecting First Nations peoples and communities.
• The ability and willingness to travel within Queensland and occasionally interstate.
• The ability and willingness to undertake weekend work when required.
• A current open driver’s licence and the ability to drive a company or hire vehicle.

What we offer

We offer a range of employee benefits and programs designed to promote work-life balance, career development, and personal growth. Some of the employee benefits that we offer include:

• Competitive salary packages
• Salary Sacrifice
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program
• Cultural awareness training
• Health and well-being initiatives
• Additional 7-Day paid shutdown during the Christmas / New Year period

Apply now

To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. To request a copy of the Position Description, email [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.