Principal Lawyer – Federal Court Native Title Litigation

About the role

Crown Law, the in‑house legal service for the Queensland Government, is seeking a Principal Lawyer to lead Federal Court native‑title litigation. You will manage complex determination and compensation matters, shaping how native title is applied across the State.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Federal Court native‑title determination and compensation applications from start to finish.
• Provide statutory interpretation advice across the Native Title Act and Queensland land legislation.
• Negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements and settlements on behalf of the State.
• Mentor junior lawyers within the Native Title Litigation team.
• Collaborate with senior counsel and the Assistant Crown Solicitor on high‑profile, sensitive matters.

Required profile

• 5+ years post‑admission litigation experience, preferably in Federal Court.
• Strong ability to interpret complex statutes and apply them to novel factual scenarios.
• Demonstrated judgment in managing high‑stakes, sensitive legal matters.
• Experience in commercial, property, planning or public‑law litigation is acceptable.

Required skills

What we offer

• Work within a specialist, supportive team that values professional growth.
• Flexible working options and lower billable‑hour expectations than private practice.
• Generous leave entitlements, health and wellbeing programs, and salary‑packaging options.