Associate Director, Legal Assistance
Clerk Grade: 11/12
Annual Salary Range: $149,739 - $173,174 plus superannuation
Employment Type: 2 x Ongoing, Full-time
Location: 1 Oxford Street Sydney (hybrid work options available)
Independent Review Office (IRO)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic legal leader to join the Independent Review Office (IRO) as Associate Director, Legal Assistance. In this pivotal role, you will lead and manage a team of legal professionals and grant managers responsible for delivering a high-quality legal assistance funding program that supports injured workers.
You will provide expert legal and policy advice, drive strategic initiatives, and oversee the effective administration of grants in line with legislative and policy requirements. This role is critical in ensuring that funding decisions are fair, transparent and deliver optimal outcomes for injured workers across NSW.
Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, you will foster a high performing, inclusive team culture while contributing to continuous improvement across the organisation and the broader workers compensation scheme.
About us
The Independent Review Office (IRO) is an independent statutory body in NSW that plays a critical role in the personal injury system. The IRO helps injured workers and motor vehicle accident claimants resolve disputes with insurers and provides legal funding to support claimants in navigating complex processes.
The IRO is committed to integrity, fairness and independence. The work of IRO has a real and meaningful impact on the lives of people across NSW, and the agency is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive and purpose driven workplace.
What you’ll do
In this role, you will:
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Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team administering grants of funding for legal assistance
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Oversee the development and implementation of a robust grants management framework ensuring compliance with legislation, funding guidelines and government standards
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Provide strategic legal and policy advice to senior executives on complex and emerging issues in workers compensation
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the legal assistance program
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Develop and maintain governance, risk and reporting frameworks to support sound decision making
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Build and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders including legal service providers, internal teams and external partners
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Lead stakeholder engagement activities and represent the IRO in forums and discussions
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Foster a high performing, inclusive and accountable team culture, including coaching and developing staff
What we’re looking for
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Strong experience in personal injury law, legal practice or legal grants administration
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Proven leadership capability, including developing and managing high performing teams
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Ability to interpret complex legislation and provide clear, practical advice
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Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at a senior level
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Sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment
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Experience in governance, risk and program or grants administration frameworks
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Commitment to integrity, accountability and customer focused service
Essential requirements:
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Eligible for admission as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW and current practising certificate
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Ability to meet probity and pre-employment screening requirements
Why join us?
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Be part of an organisation that delivers meaningful outcomes for the NSW community
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Influence culture, leadership and workforce capability at a strategic level
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Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment
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Access to career development and learning opportunities across the NSW public sector
How to apply
To apply, please submit:
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Your resume (up to a maximum of 5 pages), and
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A brief cover letter (1–2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience align with this role.
Please note candidates invited to interview will be required to complete additional assessments
Salary Grade 11/12, with the base salary for this role starting at $149739 base plus superannuation
For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Meg Rapley via
[email protected].
Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.
A talent pool may be created as part of this recruitment process and will be valid for up to 18 months. The talent pool may be used to fill future ongoing or temporary vacancies of the same or similar role.
Closing Date: Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 9:59am
Careers at Department of Customer Service
A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.
Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace
The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.
You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.
We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form) please contact
[email protected].
For more information, please visit
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Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process
