Description
Primary objective
The provision of legal advice and court representation, predominantly in the areas of constitutional law, administrative law
and other public law, in respect of the Northern Territory Government.
Context statement
Crown Counsel is an integral part of the Solicitor-General’s Chambers. The Chambers consist of the Solicitor-General, Crown
Counsel, a solicitor on secondment from the Solicitor for the Northern Territory (SFNT) and an executive assistant. Crown
Counsel is responsible for the provision of legal advice to the highest levels of the Northern Territory executive branch,
including the Attorney-General, the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive Officers of the Agencies.
Crown Counsel is also required to advise and appear in proceedings where the legislative, executive or judicial powers of
the Territory or the Commonwealth are in question, or where the interpretation of the Constitution is raised.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide high-level quality advice to:
(a) The Attorney-General’s Department and other government agencies and statutory officers; and
(b) SFNT, and independent statutory officers or their staff, on major, complex or sensitive matters within a broad range
of law areas.
2. Appear as barrister on behalf of the Territory or its agencies in Territory courts, the Federal Court, the High Court and
various tribunals. The role requires Crown Counsel to appear as lead counsel and at times as junior counsel (usually to
the Solicitor-General) instructed by SFNT or private law firms engaged by Government.
3. Assist the Solicitor-General as required in the provision of high-quality legal advice including to the Attorney-General,
Ministers and independent statutory officers.
Requirements
The successful applicant will be offered a 4 year executive contract.
Selection criteria
1. The right to practice as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory.
2. Experience as a legal practitioner in the relevant fields of law, particularly constitutional law, statutory interpretation,
public and administrative law and commercial law.
3. Experience in an advocacy role (as barrister or solicitor advocate) with skills of a high order.
4. Extensive knowledge of the constitutional arrangements pertaining to the Northern Territory, including the operation of
the Constitution, the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 (Cth), and the Territory court system.
5. Extensive knowledge of, and experience with, the workings and processes of government, particularly State and Territory,
but also at the federal and local government levels.
6. Demonstrated ability to prepare high quality written submissions and opinions.
7. Effectiveness in the negotiation of litigation settlements and other legal agreements.
