Head of Practice Legal, Avant Law Civil Claims VIC, WA & ACT

Avant is Australia’s leading medical defence organisation, protecting medical professionals for more than 130 years.

We are seeking to recruit a new Head of Practice Legal to lead Avant Law’s Civil Claims and Professional Conduct team in Victoria, WA and the ACT which once relevant administration requirements have been met will be transitioned to a Partner title. The role will ideally be based in Melbourne, where most of the team is located. This is a permanent, full-time role with hybrid working and some interstate travel.

This is a people leadership role responsible for delivering best-practice programs and processes that achieve timely, effective outcomes for members while balancing the interests of the broader membership.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Lead Avant Law teams across Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory in delivering legal services to Avant and its members.
• Advise and support the Partner Head of Medical Indemnity, Avant Law, on emerging state legal trends, issues and reforms.
• Manage a portfolio of complex medical indemnity claims to achieve efficient, cost-effective outcomes for members.
• Oversee the delegation, allocation and supervision of team caseloads, ensuring compliance with professional, legal and ethical standards, budgets and deadlines.
• Prepare submissions to government, statutory and other bodies in partnership with Advocacy & Impact.
• Contribute to national process improvement and change initiatives, role-modelling positive behaviours and maintaining clear communication through transformation.
• Oversee and provide legal advice and services to Claims Managers and members.
• Lead direct and indirect reports across multiple states.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A current unrestricted practising certificate in the relevant jurisdictions, including the High Court. 
• Preferably completed or eligible to undertake the practice management course.
• Technically excellent, with a deep understanding of health law/regulation. 
• Proven leadership or senior legal management experience in medical indemnity or a similar environment, either in-house or in private practice.
• Extensive post-admission experience as a Special Counsel, Team Leader or Partner (equivalent) in defendant medical negligence / civil claims, and professional indemnity matters. Candidates from a healthcare regulator or another medical defence organisation will be considered.
• Legal practice operational and compliance experience is preferred.
• Strong relationship and influencing skills, with the confidence to collaborate with senior stakeholders nationally across both Avant Law and Claims.
• A pragmatic approach to legal case management and a strong understanding of the health profession operationally. 
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including data analysis and budgeting against team and individual targets.

For further information please contact Camilla Overall, Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner on Camilla.overall@avant.org.au.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Avant supports doctors so they can serve Australia's diverse communities. Having diversity in our workforce brings valuable perspectives and strengthens our ability to support healthcare professionals.
We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with caring responsibilities.

Our inclusive workplace is somewhere everyone can succeed.

Ready to join us? If you're passionate about supporting Australia's healthcare professionals, we'd love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact us at careers@avant.org.au