Description:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead our Trust Account Compliance & Education team on a full time permanent basis.
About us
The Law Society of NSW is the largest and most influential legal membership association in Australia and our role is to act as co-regulator of the legal profession, ensuring solicitors meet the highest ethical and professional standards, to serve as the representative voice of the legal profession and ensure a just society for all.
About the team
The Trust Accounts Department regulates trust accounts held by approximately 8,000 law practices in NSW, overseeing more than $9 billion in trust money. The team plays a critical role in investigating breaches and detecting fraud, ensuring compliance with trust obligations, and supporting the legal profession with education, tools, and resources to make compliance easier and more effective.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Trust Account Investigator, the Team Leader, Trust Account Compliance & Education is responsible for overseeing investigations into serious trust account non-compliance, ensuring outcomes that protect the public, uphold professional standards, and provide a credible deterrent to non-compliance.
You will bring expertise from an accounting, regulatory or legal background, with a proven ability to lead teams, drive continuous improvement, and deliver education and compliance initiatives. Central to this role is promoting a culture of accountability, learning, and excellence—both within the team and across the legal profession. As a team leader, you will model the Law Society’s values and behaviours, support strategic goals, and champion professional development within your team and across the broader organisation.
What you'll be doing
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team of investigators. Foster a positive and inclusive team culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Manage recruitment, workforce planning, and performance in consultation with the Chief Trust Account Investigator.
- Oversee and provide direction on complex trust account investigations. Ensure investigations are conducted to the highest standard, in line with regulatory requirements, and contribute to sound, risk-based decisions.
- Champion process improvements, operational efficiencies and initiatives that improve the quality, timeliness, and consistency of investigations, and ensure alignment with regulatory strategy.
- Lead the delivery of internal training and external education programs that build understanding of trust obligations and support trust compliance.
- Monitor performance data and trends, producing high-quality reports and insights. Lead responses to high-risk or high-profile matters, ensuring effective risk mitigation and contributing to broader organisational learning.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including solicitors, regulators, and government bodies. Represent the Law Society professionally in external forums, including Tribunal hearings if required.
- Tertiary qualifications in accounting, commerce, or business.
- Current membership with CA ANZ and/or CPA Australia.
- Sound understanding of trust accounting principles, financial systems, and auditing standards (including APES 215 Forensic Accounting Services).
- Strong knowledge of risk-based regulatory frameworks and the Uniform Law.
- Awareness of the broader legal, political, and economic context of legal regulation in NSW.
- Extensive experience in investigations, compliance, auditing, or regulatory roles within a professional services or risk-based environment.
- Background in legal practice or strong capability to engage with legal professionals and understand legal operations.
- Proven experience leading education, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Demonstrated success managing team performance, quality assurance, and operational excellence at scale.
- Strong leadership with the ability to develop, guide, and inspire high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Sound regulatory judgement and ability to lead complex investigations and risk assessments.
- Strong organisational and change management skills.
- Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset and resilience under pressure.
To apply
The Law Society of New South Wales is committed to building and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity.
Applications should contain a CV and cover letter that outlines your key experience and motivations for this role.