Senior Legal Counsel

Legal Services

• Fixed-term, full-time for 2 years
• Competitive remuneration
• Up to 17% employer superannuation
• Salary packaging options are available
• 4 weeks annual leave plus Christmas week shutdown, per annum
• Armidale based role. Flexible or hybrid work arrangements will be considered
• Relocation assistance provided
• Free on campus parking
• On campus state of the art sporting and athlete facilities (Sport UNE)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing support
• Diverse and supportive workplace with UNE Ally Network, Equity Committee, Queer Space

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel delivers proactive and strategic legal advice and services to the University of New England, primarily in complex commercial matters, including contracts, research, and procurement. Reporting to the Director of Legal Services (Dispute Resolution), this role balances legal risk management with strategic objectives, providing commercially focused advice, managing priorities, and fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate innovation whilst protecting the University's interests.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Law Degree, admission as a legal practitioner, and a current practising certificate.
• You will bring extensive post-admission experience in a high-quality practice environment, demonstrating superior analytical and research skills to interpret law and resolve complex problems.
• You will possess extensive commercial law and contracting experience in areas such as real property, procurement, construction, or information property.
• Strategic thinker and superior communicator.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and contribute positively to a team environment.
• Proven experience in managing complex or sensitive legal matters and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential.

About the Department

Legal Services provides legal advice and services to the University and its controlled entities on legal matters affecting the University. Legal Services is committed to providing high quality strategic, professional and independent legal advice and services to the University in a timely and cost-effective manner to enable excellent business relationships and assists the University to achieve its mission and goals. Legal Services sits within the Chief Operating Officer's portfolio.

Enquiries and additional information

To discuss this role please contact Katrina Warden, Director Legal Services (Dispute Resolution), phone: 02 6773 3970, email: kwarden3@une.edu.au.

If you require any adjustments or support to fully participate - such as an alternative format for the application form -please contact your Talent Acquisition Consultant at jobapplication@une.edu.au or on 02 6773 3705.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Statement below.

To Apply

Closing Date: Midnight, Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Reference No: 225201

Please submit the following documents by clicking the Apply Now button below:

Your application should be comprised of:

i. Covering letter;

ii. Responses to selection criteria;

iii. Current CV.

Applicants must have appropriate Australian work rights for the duration of this position.

About Armidale

Armidale is an attractive and vibrant city that combines all the features of a bustling regional town centre with the tranquility of rural living. It boasts gourmet restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, quality schools and sporting facilities. Surrounded by mountain gorges, waterfalls and national parks, Armidale's natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an ideal place to live and thrive. To find out more, visit https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/experience . Information about relocation assistance.

UNE: A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At UNE, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the unique perspectives they bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute their best.

We warmly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with lived experience of mental health or disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQIA+.

UNE is committed to enabling all staff to thrive and ensuring that our LGBTIQIA+ community and staff from all cultures feel included and respected. Our UNE Ally Network is here for staff and students and for any questions, contact our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant.

About Our Process

At UNE, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of this role and align with our values: Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Accountable, Be Connected. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome. The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencing in this role as indicated in the position statement.

If you are the preferred candidate for this role you will be required to provide UNE with a National Police Check prior to the university making an offer of employment. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically excluded from applying for this position (unless there is a particular requirement under law).

Please visit our Privacy Statement to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.