Verified Job
Jobs
Principal Lawyer
Jobs
#432870
Full Time
Job Description
Contact Officer for enquiries:
Tanya Canny
Tanya.canny@casa.gov.au
02 6217 1130
Closing Date for Applications: 11.5+pm AEDT, Monday 0+ September 2026
For full details and information on the role please visit the Careers Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au). Applications for all CASA vacancies must be submitted through the CASA e-Recruitment portal.
About the opportunity
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas. CASA performs its regulatory functions by:
Developing, promulgating and implementing aviation safety standards.
Developing, promulgating and implementing aviation safety standards.
Conducting comprehensive aviation industry surveillance and regular reviews of the system of civil aviation safety.
Undertaking enforcement strategies to secure compliance with required standards.
Carrying out timely assessments of international safety developments.
Under the direction of the Executive Manager, the Legal, International and Regulatory Affairs Division (LIRA) provides a full range of legal assistance, advice and support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Director of Aviation Safety (DAS) and CASA’s operational, technical and corporate support areas. The Division is comprised of the Advisory and Drafting Branch, the Litigation, Investigations and Enforcement (LIE) Branch, and the International Relations Branch.
The branches of LIRA are charged with providing CASA with a range of legal, strategic and regulatory services and advice, including:
The provision of legal advice.
Representing CASA in litigation matters.
Legislative and legal drafting.
Investigative functions under Part IIIA of the Civil Aviation Act 1+88.
Administration of CASA’s Conflict of Interest scheme, and ******* and drug testing program under Subpart ++.C of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.
Substantive contribution to the development and implementation of CASA’s Regulatory Philosophy.
Articulation, development and consistent administration of CASA’s strategic approach to our multi-lateral and bi-lateral international relations, commitments and obligations.
The LIE Branch is responsible for the Administration and maintenance of CASA’s enforcement policy, including:
Management and conduct of all litigation in which CASA is a party, including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Court, State Courts and other bodies.
Provision of legal advice to staff of the Authority on the exercise of CASA’s enforcement powers.
Provision of assistance and advice in relation to the drafting of enforcement related decision notices and associated correspondence.
The management of CASA ******* and Other Drugs testing programme
Involvement in coronial inquests.
Under the direction of the Manager of the LIE Branch and/or Special Counsel, lawyers in the branch provide general legal advice and assistance on regulatory enforcement matters to the staff and management of the Authority and assist in the preparation and conduct of litigation matters in various Courts and Tribunals.
This is a Canberra based position, but some interstate travel will be required.
Our Ideal Candidate
Good knowledge and a demonstrated understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the management of administrative law proceedings and litigation in Courts and Tribunals or experience in instructing counsel for those purposes.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing effective legal advice and assistance to non-legal managers and staff in a complex technical environment.
Experience and demonstrated skills working in a technical environment, ideally in a regulatory setting.
Ability to work autonomously and with only limited guidance or supervision.
Highly developed written and oral communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate with influence with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in professional development activities and meet Continuing Legal Education requirements and other expectations.
Knowledge and experience in aviation law is desirable.
Affirmative Measures
This vacancy is being advertised concurrently under a general and an affirmative measure recruitment process.
Affirmative measures is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people or people living with a disability, evidence will be requested if your application progresses under an affirmative measures process.
To be engaged under the affirmative measures provision, evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian heritage or disability will be required.
Eligibility Requirements
Employment with CASA is subject to conditions prescribed within the Civil Aviation Act 1+88. The following eligibility requirements apply to this position:
Tertiary qualifications in law and admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or a Supreme Court of a State or Territory.
At least 7 years post qualification experience.
At minimum, prospective CASA employees must undergo pre-employment screening. You must be willing to provide required information to successfully undergo a police record check.
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
About us
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas.
CASA is committed to having a flexible and inclusive workplace and recognises and values the diversity of the wider Australian community.
We encourage and welcome applications from people with Disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
Culture and benefits
We value our people. CASA values social and cultural diversity and is committed to a safe workplace. We are committed to the attraction, recruitment and retention of Indigenous Australians and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
CASA is committed to attaining and retaining the highest quality of skilled professionals and providing a desirable work environment in which they can maximise their talent and potential. We provide rewarding careers, promote work-life balance and support professional and personal development.
Tanya Canny
Tanya.canny@casa.gov.au
02 6217 1130
Closing Date for Applications: 11.5+pm AEDT, Monday 0+ September 2026
For full details and information on the role please visit the Careers Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au). Applications for all CASA vacancies must be submitted through the CASA e-Recruitment portal.
About the opportunity
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas. CASA performs its regulatory functions by:
Developing, promulgating and implementing aviation safety standards.
Developing, promulgating and implementing aviation safety standards.
Conducting comprehensive aviation industry surveillance and regular reviews of the system of civil aviation safety.
Undertaking enforcement strategies to secure compliance with required standards.
Carrying out timely assessments of international safety developments.
Under the direction of the Executive Manager, the Legal, International and Regulatory Affairs Division (LIRA) provides a full range of legal assistance, advice and support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Director of Aviation Safety (DAS) and CASA’s operational, technical and corporate support areas. The Division is comprised of the Advisory and Drafting Branch, the Litigation, Investigations and Enforcement (LIE) Branch, and the International Relations Branch.
The branches of LIRA are charged with providing CASA with a range of legal, strategic and regulatory services and advice, including:
The provision of legal advice.
Representing CASA in litigation matters.
Legislative and legal drafting.
Investigative functions under Part IIIA of the Civil Aviation Act 1+88.
Administration of CASA’s Conflict of Interest scheme, and ******* and drug testing program under Subpart ++.C of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.
Substantive contribution to the development and implementation of CASA’s Regulatory Philosophy.
Articulation, development and consistent administration of CASA’s strategic approach to our multi-lateral and bi-lateral international relations, commitments and obligations.
The LIE Branch is responsible for the Administration and maintenance of CASA’s enforcement policy, including:
Management and conduct of all litigation in which CASA is a party, including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Court, State Courts and other bodies.
Provision of legal advice to staff of the Authority on the exercise of CASA’s enforcement powers.
Provision of assistance and advice in relation to the drafting of enforcement related decision notices and associated correspondence.
The management of CASA ******* and Other Drugs testing programme
Involvement in coronial inquests.
Under the direction of the Manager of the LIE Branch and/or Special Counsel, lawyers in the branch provide general legal advice and assistance on regulatory enforcement matters to the staff and management of the Authority and assist in the preparation and conduct of litigation matters in various Courts and Tribunals.
This is a Canberra based position, but some interstate travel will be required.
Our Ideal Candidate
Good knowledge and a demonstrated understanding of the Commonwealth legal environment.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the management of administrative law proceedings and litigation in Courts and Tribunals or experience in instructing counsel for those purposes.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing effective legal advice and assistance to non-legal managers and staff in a complex technical environment.
Experience and demonstrated skills working in a technical environment, ideally in a regulatory setting.
Ability to work autonomously and with only limited guidance or supervision.
Highly developed written and oral communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate with influence with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in professional development activities and meet Continuing Legal Education requirements and other expectations.
Knowledge and experience in aviation law is desirable.
Affirmative Measures
This vacancy is being advertised concurrently under a general and an affirmative measure recruitment process.
Affirmative measures is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people or people living with a disability, evidence will be requested if your application progresses under an affirmative measures process.
To be engaged under the affirmative measures provision, evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian heritage or disability will be required.
Eligibility Requirements
Employment with CASA is subject to conditions prescribed within the Civil Aviation Act 1+88. The following eligibility requirements apply to this position:
Tertiary qualifications in law and admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or a Supreme Court of a State or Territory.
At least 7 years post qualification experience.
At minimum, prospective CASA employees must undergo pre-employment screening. You must be willing to provide required information to successfully undergo a police record check.
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
About us
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas.
CASA is committed to having a flexible and inclusive workplace and recognises and values the diversity of the wider Australian community.
We encourage and welcome applications from people with Disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
Culture and benefits
We value our people. CASA values social and cultural diversity and is committed to a safe workplace. We are committed to the attraction, recruitment and retention of Indigenous Australians and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
CASA is committed to attaining and retaining the highest quality of skilled professionals and providing a desirable work environment in which they can maximise their talent and potential. We provide rewarding careers, promote work-life balance and support professional and personal development.
