SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL, LITIGATION, RISK AND ENFORCEMENT

Personnel Area: City Administration and Governance

Branch: City Legal

Duration:  Contract – 4 years

Are you a strategic legal professional with a passion for public service, a commitment to delivering public value, and a proven track record in litigation, risk management, and enforcement? Brisbane City Council (BCC) is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our Litigation, Risk, and Enforcement team, managing a high-performing team and driving excellence in legal services.

About the Position:

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will manage a team of 15 legal professionals within the Litigation, Risk, and Enforcement team, a vital part of BCC’s in-house legal service, City Legal. This team provides expert advice and representation across a wide range of legal matters that are critical to BCC’s governance and operations.

The role encompasses legal representation and strategic oversight across litigation areas, tribunals, and courts, with matters ranging from regulatory enforcement to civil claims. This permanent role offers flexible working arrangements, with three days in the office and two days working from home.

• a permanent initial four-year role within Australia’s largest local government organisation with future options for extension
• a flexible working environment (three days in the office and two days from home)
• the opportunity to work on significant legal matters that shape Brisbane’s future
• competitive remuneration and benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• manage and oversee litigation, risk, and enforcement matters across Courts and Tribunals, including preparing cases, instructing Barristers, and acting as an advocate.
• provide high-level legal advice across areas such as:
• debt recovery proceedings and land claims for compensation
• insurance, risk, personal injury, and WorkCover claims
• employment-related matters and workplace disputes
• enforcement actions, regulatory prosecutions, and appeals
• interpretation of evidence, legal prospects, and strategies
• responses to summonses, subpoenas, and coronial inquests
• supervise and develop a team of 15 legal professionals, fostering expertise and capability building
• collaborate with senior leaders, including the Chief Legal Counsel, elected officials, and the CEO, to align legal services with organisational goals
• drive process improvements to streamline legal operations and enhance public value
• contribute to broader corporate governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with local laws and delivering high-quality legal support across Council operations.

To be considered, you must have the following:

Leadership and Collaboration

• proven experience managing and mentoring legal teams to achieve high performance
• strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.

Operational and Technical Expertise

• significant experience in litigation, risk, and enforcement matters, including advocacy and high-level negotiations
• expertise in a wide array of legal areas, including regulatory enforcement, civil claims, employment law, and compulsory acquisitions
• strong drafting and advisory skills, particularly in interpreting complex legislation and supporting governance frameworks.

Strategic Mindset

• demonstrated ability to deliver public value by aligning resources, processes, and legal strategies with organisational priorities
• capacity to manage complex issues and competing stakeholder interests with sensitivity and professionalism.

Qualifications

• admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and eligibility for a current practising certificate from the Queensland Law Society.

About the Organisation 

Brisbane offers a vibrant, green, and prosperous lifestyle, fostering opportunity, innovation, and sustainability. As Australia’s largest local government, Brisbane City Council oversees assets exceeding $34 billion and manages an annual budget of $4 billion. We seek dynamic, passionate, and forward-thinking leaders to guide us in creating a successful, liveable city. Partnering with governments, peak bodies, industries, and community organisations, we aim to build a city that residents are proud of and support a thriving economy, and prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond. 

How to apply: To apply, click here. For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Katie Francis at FrancisJames Recruitment on 0424 579 909 or email katie@fjer.com.au.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025, at 11:55pm AEST

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace where our people represent the diverse communities we serve, are supported, and can feel safe. Council has been awarded Employer of the Year at the National Disability Awards and has been recognised multiple times with ‘Gold Employer’ status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion.