Legal Counsel

Be challenged and imagine with us

As Legal Counsel, you'll work at the heart of a complex and dynamic organisation, with a focus on commercial and procurement transactions. You'll draft and negotiate a broad range of matters, and partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to deliver practical, solutions-focused legal advice. The role also offers exposure to research, governance, employment and regulatory matters, making it an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys varied work and wants to contribute to significant projects at a world-leading university committed to equity, excellence and community impact.

We welcome applications from experienced legal professionals seeking flexibility and are open to considering a part-time arrangement of 4 days per week for the right candidate. 

In this role you will:

• Provide timely and pragmatic legal advice across commercial, property, employment, research, governance and regulatory matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts, agreements and other legal documents.
• Identify legal risks and deliver practical solutions that support strategic objectives.
• Conduct legal research and prepare clear, audience-appropriate advice.
•  Support major University projects and transactions, including procurement, technology, construction, leasing and other property matters, and intellectual property.
• Review policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and effective risk management.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the University.
• Assist in promoting legal compliance and improving awareness of legal obligations.
• Liaise with external legal providers and specialist advisors when required.
• Contribute to a collaborative, professional and client-focused legal team.

The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience in general property transactions and advice, including the drafting, preparation and negotiation of leasing arrangements and licences, and advising on title and tenure issues. 

This full-time continuing position, is at a HEW 9, and located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You will:

• Bring sound legal judgement and a solutions-focused approach to complex matters.
• Build trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively to non-legal audiences.
• Demonstrate exceptional drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Balance competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Show initiative and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical practice.
• Embrace innovation and continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and outcomes.
• Support a culture of equity, inclusion, respect and accountability.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

Legal and Governance Services (LGS) is led by the General Counsel and Chief Governance Officer and is part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Division LGS provides a range of professional and governance support services to the Academic Senate, the Council, the Vice-Chancellor, senior executives and other officers within the Colleges and Divisions.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• Remuneration of Higher Education Worker Level 9 ($140,791-$150,846) + 17% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience. 
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity and how your legal experience aligns with the role.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below.

Essential Criteria

• Current NSW practicing certificate (or the ability to obtain one) and at least 4 years of post-qualification experience in law.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts and providing clear, practical legal advice, with a commitment to the use of 'plain' English, attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, advise upon and resolve complex legal issues and transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to offer pragmatic and innovative solutions.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document must not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process. 

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Health Sciences Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Kate Miller, Senior Legal Counsel on email at Kate.Miller@newcastle.edu.au or call 02 4921 7728.

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Tuesday 20th October 2026 at 11.59pm AEDST 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

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