Introduction The Firm HFW is a sector focused global law firm. We have over 600 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. We take a progressive and innovative approach to our roles in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients. Whether we are solving complex issues within the construction, aviation or shipping industries, or providing advice across insurance, commodities and energy we are specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients. We think about the commercial solution first, and then underpin our advice with a solid foundation of legal expertise. In Australia, we have 4 offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth and around 210 team members. Description The Role The Australian Knowledge Counsel is a generalist Knowledge Management (KM) lawyer supporting the Disputes teams across our Australian offices. This is a part-time role (0.6 FTE) with flexibility built in. You will be part of a global KM team, working closely with our Transactional Knowledge Counsel, and contributing to the delivery of high-quality knowledge support across the sector groups. This role can be based in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. Key Responsibilities The role is varied and will include, but is not limited to, the following areas of responsibility: Current awareness – Proactively monitoring and communicating key legal and practice developments relevant to our Disputes teams. Attending and contributing to industry group meetings (by invitation) to provide updates on significant legal developments and emerging issues. Contributing to firm-wide initiatives and publications as required. Know-how enquiries – Acting as a point of contact for Australian lawyers on legal and know-how queries. Advising on the effective use of know-how resources and providing guidance and support on legal research. Business development and marketing support – Working closely with lawyers and the marketing team to support business development initiatives, including horizon scanning to identify topics that showcase the group’s expertise. Assisting with the preparation of articles and content for client briefings, bulletins, newsletters and the firm’s website. Providing KM support on pitches, RFQs and panel appointments in collaboration with the regional BD team. Client-facing know-how – Supporting client relationships through the development and delivery of client-focused know-how and training. Designing and delivering client training programmes, preparing materials for, and presenting at, internal and external seminars and conferences, and supporting other know-how based client services. Providing KM support for key regional clients as required. Training and development – Working closely with the L&D department and the wider KM team to organise and, where appropriate, deliver internal technical training programmes for lawyers at all levels in Australia. Ensuring relevant training is CPD accredited by the Law Society. Providing KM induction and ongoing support to new joiners in Australia. Australian know-how content – Taking responsibility for the collection, management and dissemination of Australian-specific know-how, ensuring it is current, high quality and readily accessible via the firm’s global intranet knowledge database. Knowledge database maintenance – Reviewing, analysing and indexing Australian materials for inclusion in the know-how database. Ensuring content remains up to date and promoting effective use of know-how tools across the practice. Standard documents and templates – Drafting, developing and maintaining standard documents, templates, checklists, practice notes and toolkits within relevant practice areas, including reviewing and refining drafts prepared by others. KM tools and resources – Reviewing new KM and productivity tools and working with relevant Business Services teams to ensure lawyers have access to best-in-class resources to support their practice. Knowledge Management team collaboration – Working closely with London-based sector specialist Knowledge Counsel to identify and communicate Australian KM priorities and projects. Supporting global KM initiatives, attending bi-monthly KM team meetings remotely, and contributing to the delivery of the firm’s KM strategy. Promoting best practice and encouraging the effective sharing of knowledge across the firm. Skills And Experiences About you We are seeking for a capable and experienced disputes lawyer, who will ideally bring: A strong track record of high-quality fee-earning experience, ideally gained within a private practice law firm or in-house environment; Previous experience as a Professional Support Lawyer or Knowledge Counsel, or demonstrable involvement in KM initiatives whilst a fee-earner; Excellent drafting skills; Strong presentation skills; A genuine interest in business development, marketing, professional training and development; Project management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively to achieve shared objectives; A proactive, self-motivated approach and excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate confidently at all levels; A good working knowledge of standard IT applications, familiarity with intranets and online research tools, and a process-driven approach to matter management; A strong commitment to promoting knowledge sharing and best practice across the firm. What's in it for you? If you're eager to join a friendly team in a positive environment, this opportunity could be ideal for you. As well as a friendly, down-to-earth group of colleagues, we offer the following benefits: Market-competitive remuneration package, employee referral incentives, and life and salary continuance insurance Health & Wellbeing initiatives, such as annual flu vaccinations, access to the Employee Assistance Program, free subscriptions to wellbeing apps, and subsidised sporting activities An active employee-led Social Committee, organising regular events in all our offices The ability to purchase additional annual leave and access our Paid Parental Leave (26 weeks) Beautiful offices in the CBD with excellent end-of-trip facilities A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative work environment What's next? If this sounds like an opportunity for you, apply online with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role. We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, please contact: Maarja Kamar, HR Consultant - maarja.kamar@hfw.com .
