Location – Perth or Remote (Sydney or Gold Coast) 

Position Description

The Offshore Alliance is a successful member-led industrial organisation that combines the industrial, organising and legal resources of The Australian Workers’ Union and the Maritime Union of Australia. The Alliance organises in all sectors of the hydrocarbons sector in and off the coast of Western Australia including production, maintenance, inspection, construction, drilling, catering, ROV, aviation and others. The Alliance currently has over 4,200 financial members.

The Alliance was formed to protect and advance the interests of workers in the offshore sector through targeted campaigns, strategic bargaining and litigation and worker empowerment, always putting the interests of its members first. The organising and legal parts of the Alliance work together closely.

The legal environment for the Alliance is challenging, with many employers in the industry having deep pockets and most a desire to curtail or prevent union growth and influence. An opportunity has arisen for an experienced legal or industrial officer to join the Alliance.

The position will ideally be based in Perth (and a relocation package may be offered), however the location of work may be flexible for the right applicant, with locations including Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The successful applicant will be responsible for providing legal advice and advocacy for Offshore Alliance members, working with a team of high performing and experienced organisers. The position will work under the general supervision of a Senior Legal Officer.

The successful applicant will take carriage of a variety of matters with the appropriate support from senior officials. Matters include all aspects of enterprise agreement making including MSDs, scope orders, good faith bargaining matters, industrial action, drafting, disputes and litigation. Other common matters include rules matters, intervening in baseline enterprise agreement approvals, individual applications such as general protections and unfair dismissals, preparation for matters in the Fair Work Commission, the Industrial Magistrates Court and the Federal Court of Australia, and the preparation of briefs for and instructing counsel.

The Offshore Alliance is a very active union, both industrially and legally, and takes a direct and unapologetic approach to representing members’ interests. Working in this role will give the successful applicant invaluable experience as a legal practitioner and consistently  provide opportunities to develop their practice.

The successful applicant will be required to take carriage of matters on commencement, so will ideally have a minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience as a legal practitioner and will work as part of an in-house legal team under the general supervision and mentorship of a Senior Legal Officer. However, please note that the successful applicant will be required to take carriage of their own matters and work autonomously.

The successful applicant will be required to appear before the Fair Work Commission and WAIRC representing the rights of Offshore Alliance members on a regular basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated and skilled industrial lawyer looking to progress their career and take the next step with an active, member-led union. This position will offer the right applicant both autonomy and active support from knowledgeable organisers and legal officers, and consistent and broad experience in industrial relations.

Although legal qualifications are very desirable, if you are a proficient industrial advocate or industrial officer without legal qualifications but believe you will thrive in this position, please apply.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

To be the successful applicant you must meet the following criteria:

• A law degree and a practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain same) or experience as an industrial officer.
• Post qualification experience at a union or a law firm of two years at a minimum.
• Sound knowledge of Australian industrial relations and employment law.
• Effective advocacy skills.
• Ability to work effectively with organisers and members, and to a broader industrial campaign or goal.
• Ability to prepare barrister briefs and to act as an instructing solicitor.
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision against well-resourced opponents.
• Capacity to exercise good judgement, and work independently within a team environment.
• Ability to take direction and consider multiple interests.
• A willingness to travel interstate, including to regional or remote locations if required.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES:

You will have an advantage in applying for this position if you have one or more of the following attributes:

• Previous experience working for a trade union or labour law firm.
• Prior experience in industrial and employment tribunals and courts.
• The ability to conduct high-level legal research.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including members, delegates, full-time officials, employers, and other stakeholders.
• Examples of briefs, submissions, and/or advice prepared by you.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A competitive salary package of between $150,000 and $200,000 will be offered depending on experience and capability.

APPLY: 

To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Position Description, Essential Criteria and Desirable Attributes to Offshore Alliance Coordinator Zach Duncalfe at zach.duncalfe@nat.awu.net.au using the subject heading ‘Offshore Alliance Legal Officer’. The deadline for applications is Friday 30 January 2026.

All applications will be treated confidentially.