Gracen Hart
Summary
Accomplished Legal Policy Officer with expertise in legislative and policy reform, legal analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in drafting high-level legal documents, including Cabinet Briefing Notes and case summaries, and experienced in managing complex legal projects, such as anti-corruption law and criminal law trials. Strong background in case law analysis and public policy development, specialising in human rights and anti-corruption law. Committed to ethical and professional excellence. An Australian citizen holding full work rights in the UK under the Youth Mobility Visa (Tier 5), expiring September 2027.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Policy Officer
Department of Justice and Community Safety
09.2024 - Current
- The Department of Justice and Community Safety oversees courts, corrections, emergency management, legal policy, and community safety, combining functions like the UK's Ministry of Justice, Home Office, and the Attorney General’s Office.
- Conducted in-depth research to support legislative reform proposals and policy development.
- Briefed the Attorney-General on complex legal and policy matters.
- Drafted Cabinet Briefing Notes and provided high-level advice to government stakeholders.
- Prepared subordinate legislation, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
- Developed consultation papers for legislative reform and time-sensitive policy options.
- Managed stakeholder engagement, including coordinating a government response relating to the operation of freedom of information legislation in Victoria.
- Led the drafting and implementation of five sets of regulations, ensuring alignment with legislative intent.
- Researched and drafted instructions for the merger of two statutory bodies and corresponding legislation, avoiding the need for constitutional amendments.
- Coordinated parliamentary committee preparations for inquiries involving the Attorney-General and budget allocation.
Associate to Criminal Judicial Registrar Avis
County Court of Victoria
05.2023 - 09.2024
- Similar to a court clerk, judicial assistance, or legal advisor in the UK system.
- Maintaining strict confidentiality procedures regarding closed court settings, suppression orders, and discussions that occur in chambers.
- Providing detailed analysis of case law, precedents, and legal policy, and using this information to inform the judiciary in the preparation of decisions.
- Drafting court orders and rulings.
- Acting as a liaison between multiple stakeholders such as court personnel, lawyers, counsel, litigants, and the public.
- Courtroom assistance during proceedings including taking detailed notes, maintaining exhibit lists and managing tendered exhibits, swearing in witnesses, and ensuring that proceedings run smoothly.
- Miscellaneous administrative tasks.
Court Officer
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Providing dedicated support to Judicial Officers in performing their judicial, ceremonial, and administrative responsibilities.
- Close cooperation with the Judiciary, police, legal profession, community groups, and members of the public.
- Case management duties, namely the accurate record keeping of court proceedings, filings, and other documents related to each case. Ensured that documents are properly filed, indexed, and accessible.
- Coordinated with parties and other personnel to ensure the smooth running of court proceedings.
- Facilitated and managed court proceedings.
Legal Assistant
Youthlaw
12.2021 - 01.2022
- Assisted with casework including drafting legal correspondence and transcribing police interviews.
- Ensured timely responses to young people seeking legal assistance, often operating on tight deadlines.
- Worked alongside solicitors, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants on complex criminal cases and legal processes.
Law Clerk
Fogarty, Oliver & Rothschild Family Law
02.2021 - 12.2021
- Maintained deep knowledge of regulations and reviewed local and national laws to conduct daily tasks.
- Arranged for trials in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia by preparing exhibits, trial briefs, subpoenas, and final/interim order applications.
- Supported legal team by conducting research, drafting briefs, gathering information, and interpreting legal documents.
Legal Research Intern
University of Melbourne, Indigenous Studies Unit
01.2021 - 02.2021
- Indigenous Studies Unit – Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements.
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets and produced timely reports.
- Researched various subjects that were related to the development of the ATNS Database and presented information to colleagues.
- Summarised native title agreements and wrote case notes on significant Native Title decisions for publication.
- Utilised a plethora of databases and resources to conduct legal policy research.
- Identified, researched, and tracked legislative issues relevant to Native Title.
Paralegal
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Managed a caseload under the supervision of the practising manager.
- Prepared and proofread affidavits and immigration documents/applications.
- Identified the best strategy to support clients and assist with drafting applications, acting as an enabler to access a range of services.
- Completed and submitted bridging visa and protection visa applications, often under time restraints.
- Analysed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support protection visa applications.
Education
Australian Legal Admission -
Supreme Court of Victoria
10.2022
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice - Practical Legal Training
College of Law
09.2022
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
La Trobe University
12.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Politics/International Relations and Media/Communication
University of Melbourne
12.2018
Skills
Drafting legislation
Stakeholder consultation
Policy development and legislative reform
Records management
Ministerial briefing (incl Attorney-General)
Statutory interpretation
Research and review
Criminal, human rights, and anti-corruption law
Case law analysis
Policy analysis
Timeline
Legal Policy Officer
Department of Justice and Community Safety
09.2024 - Current
Associate to Criminal Judicial Registrar Avis
County Court of Victoria
05.2023 - 09.2024
Court Officer
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
01.2022 - 05.2023
Legal Assistant
Youthlaw
12.2021 - 01.2022
Law Clerk
Fogarty, Oliver & Rothschild Family Law
02.2021 - 12.2021
Legal Research Intern
University of Melbourne, Indigenous Studies Unit
01.2021 - 02.2021
Paralegal
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
11.2019 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Politics/International Relations and Media/Communication
University of Melbourne
Australian Legal Admission -
Supreme Court of Victoria
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice - Practical Legal Training
College of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
La Trobe University
Similar Profiles
RITA LEFAURITA LEFAU
Youth Justice Worker Custodial – Unit Supervisor at Parkville Youth Justice Precinct, Department of Justice and Community SafetyYouth Justice Worker Custodial – Unit Supervisor at Parkville Youth Justice Precinct, Department of Justice and Community Safety
Kaje ElisaKaje Elisa
Youth Justice Worker at Department Of Justice And Community Safety VictoriaYouth Justice Worker at Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
CHANTELLE TU'IPULOTUCHANTELLE TU'IPULOTU
Youth Justice Worker at Department of Justice and Community SafetyYouth Justice Worker at Department of Justice and Community Safety
Elvin GasimovElvin Gasimov
Legal & Policy Officer at American Chamber of Commerce in AzerbaijanLegal & Policy Officer at American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan
Rebecca KelaartRebecca Kelaart
Legal Support Officer, Legal Policy & Compliance at Victorian Gambling Casino Control CommissionLegal Support Officer, Legal Policy & Compliance at Victorian Gambling Casino Control Commission