Legal Counsel

About The Role In these roles, you will be responsible for the provision of high-quality, client-focused legal services to all areas of Council, with one role having a specific focus on corporate compliance and the other on projects, construction and infrastructure delivery.Work type: Permanent, full time Classification: Band 8 Commencing at $122,040 pa plus super You’ll be working alongside the Lead Legal Counsels and the Chief Compliance & Integrity Officer, to tackle issues across Council. In these roles, you’ll bring a fresh, practical approach and collaborate with colleagues from various areas to help find the best possible solutions together. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide professional advice, legal services and dynamic solutions to internal stakeholders according to the Department Business Plan, the City’s interests, legislation, policy, and statutory requirements.
• Confidently research, analyse and advise on legal matters in the areas of practice expertise, delivering impactful solutions for matters in designated portfolio.
• Develop and maintain strategic networks with relevant key stakeholders within the field to fulfil the City’s strategic objectives.
• Brief external legal advisors, including specialist firms and Counsel, manage interactions between the external advisors and the organization and monitor and manage legal budgets.
• Attend relevant training courses to maintain and improve specialist knowledge to meet the needs of the organization and to satisfy the requirements of continuing legal practice.
• Be able to negotiate and positively influence resolutions with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate client needs and provide influential and persuasive advice to resolve divergent views and conflicting responsibilities.

About You To be successful in either role you will have a tertiary qualification in law and admitted to practice law in the state of Victoria, holding a current practicing certificate. Essential Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years post-admission experience.
• Strong understanding of legislation, policies, and practices relevant to public sector legal work.
• Proven ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, tailored to align with stakeholder needs and drive outcomes.
• Advanced problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with a focus on building effective partnerships and collaboration.

Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check and a pre-employment medical assessment as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City). If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! Child Safety Responsibilities   We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our  Child Safe Standards Management Policy .  Diversity and Inclusion  At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  We are the City From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong. We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process. Applications and Enquiries Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position. Enquiries: Vesna Allan | Chief Compliance & Integrity Officer | v.avallan@geelongcity.vic.gov.au Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch. We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience. We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared. To obtain a copy of the position description, please visit https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/employment/default.aspx