Senior Administrative Law Solicitor – Judicial Review Lead Offshore Litigation in Sydney

Senior Administrative Law Solicitor – Judicial Review Lead Offshore Litigation (Offshore)

PLAYFAIR is one of Australia’s leading providers of migration and related legal services.

Since its establishment in 1988, PLAYFAIR has delivered policy advice, professional services, and legal support across a broad spectrum of visa types to multinational and Australian corporate sponsors, high-net-worth individuals, government and non-government organisations, and humanitarian clients worldwide.

We have served applicants from over 70 countries and facilitated more than 32,000 visa applications.

Since 2002, PLAYFAIR has been contracted by the Australian Commonwealth Government to provide immigration assistance to asylum seekers, refugees, and disadvantaged humanitarian applicants—both onshore and offshore.

Job Type : Full-time | Sydney + Regular Travel to RPC

Salary

• Commensurate with Experience
• Playfair Legal Pty Ltd (PL) is seeking an experienced

Senior Administrative Law Solicitor to join our specialist team delivering high-level legal services to asylum seekers Offshore

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of administrative law and humanitarian practice, managing complex litigation while contributing to meaningful outcomes for vulnerable clients.

About the Role

In this role, you will take responsibility for a broad range of administrative law, merits review, and judicial review matters , including litigation before the

• Refugee Review Tribunal , the
• Supreme Court , and the

Court of Appeals .

You will manage a complex caseload and play a leading role in solicitor advocacy, case strategy, client management, and supervision of junior legal staff.

Regular travel Offshore is a required component of this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Administrative Law & Litigation
• Manage a complex caseload of judicial review proceedings.
• Conduct solicitor advocacy at interlocutory hearings, final hearings, and appeals.
• Instruct counsel in complex matters and collaborate on litigation strategy.
• Draft and settle Notices of Appeal, affidavits, submissions, and statutory interpretation arguments.
• Prepare high-level written legal advice for judicial review and related proceedings.
• Review RSD and RSRT decisions and identify jurisdictional error grounds.
• Case Strategy, Clients & Stakeholder Engagement
• Provide trauma-informed advice to vulnerable clients across offshore and onshore settings.
• Liaise with counsel, interpreters, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate offshore casework logistics, including regular travel offshore.
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, Immigration Lawyers, and Registered Migration Agents.
• Support the development of high-quality submissions, evidence preparation, and legal drafting.
• Contribute to internal training, CPDs, and development of legal resources.
• Practice Management & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records using our document management system.
• Oversee the preparation and review of Court Books, transcripts, evidence, and supporting materials.
• Ensure compliance with ethical obligations, client consent, and practice directions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across workflows and team operations.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years’ post-admission experience as a Practicing Solicitor in Judicial Review matters, including recent experience as Instructing Solicitor.
• 3-4 years’ experience in administrative law.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and instructing in judicial review litigation (minimum 2 years).
• Strong legal drafting, advocacy, and statutory interpretation skills.
• Experience managing complex caseloads in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with vulnerable clients.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior legal staff.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly offshore.
• High personal integrity, cultural competency, and commitment to trauma-informed practice.
• Experience working in offshore jurisdictions, including Offshore.
• Background in migration, humanitarian, or protection law.
• Previous involvement in multi-agency or multi-disciplinary legal environments.
• Additional Requirements
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining CPD in administrative law and judicial review.
• Strong organisational skills, reliability, and alignment with IC's values and ethics.
• Ability to work collaboratively while exercising sound independent judgment.

Why Join PL?

• Meaningful, high-impact work in a specialised humanitarian legal setting.
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
• Exposure to complex, unique litigation not available in typical administrative law roles.
• Travel opportunities and hands-on advocacy experience.
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