Corporate Counsel

About the role

We're seeking a friendly, enthusiastic senior lawyer (Partner/Manager level) to lead our award-winning Legal Services and FOI teams on a 12 month maternity leave contract.   

The Legal Services Department (including the Freedom of Information and Medico Legal offices) is a small team headed by the General Counsel.  The General Counsel is responsible for the provision and coordination of the legal services required to support Grampians Health operations. Our work includes: health law, contract review and drafting, corporate and commercial advice, general advisory work, medicolegal advice, privacy and access to information, property law, guardianship law, staff legal training, coordination and representing Grampian’s Health in courts and tribunals and Freedom of Information services. The General Counsel reports to the Chief Medical Officer.

The General Counsel manages and is supported by the Senior Lawyer, Lawyer and administrative team. This exciting and challenging role requires deep experience in our core practice areas, a high level of empathy and a pragmatic, consumer-focussed approach. You must be comfortable with rapidly changing priorities, significant work loads and highly sensitive matters. The Legal Services Department supports all campuses of Grampians Health, and some travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Provision of Legal Advice and Education

To act as legal counsel to Grampians Health and to provide professional legal advice and services to its Executive Team and senior leaders in respect of its activities, including:

• Provide legal advice regarding Coronial and litigation matters, assist in the preparation of statements by staff in relation to inquests and other legal proceedings, and review and draft such statements.
• Provide legal advice regarding Freedom of Information requests and privacy issues.
• Provide legal advice and input into the management of clinical incidents and complaints.
• Maintain and uphold the reputation of Grampians Health in respect of all legal issues.
• Provide legal advice regarding tender, contract, service agreements, partnership agreements and similar document documents, and review and draft these documents as required.
• Remain abreast of all current and new legislation affecting Grampians Health and its impact on the delivery of services at Grampians Health, and inform the Chief Executive and Executive Management Team of new relevant legislation.

Oversee the defence of actions brought against Grampians Health

• Work with Grampians Health’s insurer and external legal advisers, to ensure that Grampians Health’s interests and those of its staff are protected.
• Monitor all legal proceedings and other involvement by Grampians Health in court proceedings.
• Provide advice and support to Grampians Health staff involved in court proceedings or who are required to give evidence.

Ensure that Grampians Health is compliant with all legislative requirements

• Advise Grampians Health on its rights and obligations that arise pursuant to legislation, other statutory instruments and the common law.
• Ensure that Grampians Health is informed of new legislation that may affect its activities.
• Undertake legal risk management activities to ensure compliance.

Oversee the management of insurance matters on behalf of Grampians Health

• Provide advice and guidance to staff in relation to insurance matters.
• Maintain a corporate relationship with Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA).
• Develop an understanding of the cover provided or excluded by insurance coverage and monitor any changes.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor of Law or equivalent tertiary qualification from a recognised university
• Current practicing certificate permitting the holder to practice as a legal practitioner in Victoria
• A minimum of 10 years post admission experience, preferably including experience as in-house counsel
• Demonstrated high level of skills and experience in current legal practice, with particular reference to law relevant to the function of a public health service
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with all levels within the organisation
• Ability to operate in an environment of change
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to prioritise and work to set timeframes 

To see a full copy of the Position Description please click here

Interested?

Click APPLY or if you wish to discuss the role prior to applying, contact Laura Hartmann, General Counsel on 0448 447 425 for a confidential discussion. 

We're actively seeking candidates for this role and will review applications as they are submitted. Applications will close when the position is filled.

Diversity and Inclusion
All appointments are subject to a satisfactory police records check, immunisation clearance and Working with Children check and/or NDIS Worker Screening Check.

All employees must be willing and able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required, which at a minimum is a surgical mask. Additional PPE requirements are role dependent.

Grampians Health is a child safe organisation, committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Grampians Health is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature age workers and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex and asexual LGBTQIA+.