Legal Counsel - Multiple opportunities

Are you a passionate legal professional looking to make a mark in the university sector? The University of Newcastle is seeking three Legal Counsels to join our dynamic and dedicated Legal and Compliance team.

The Roles

As Legal Counsel, you’ll work as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the University, ensuring that our University continues to thrive and excel in its mission.

Depending on your expertise and interests, your work may predominantly focus on either:

• Administrative law (research integrity) – ensure compliance with procedural and regulatory compliance obligations, assist with the management of research breach investigations, including drafting of associated documents etc.; or
• Intellectual property and research – provide legal advice and support to the Research Division with the drafting and reviewing of research and IP commercialisation agreements, clinical trials agreement and funding agreements; or
• Commercial - advising on a broad range of commercial transactions, including property and construction, procurement, IT, and student placement agreements.

The following opportunities in the team are available:

• Legal Counsel – Continuing – Full time (2x)
• Legal Counsel – Fixed term – 9-12 months – Full time (1)

These roles will be based at our Callaghan campus (Awabakal and Worimi land), with hybrid work flexibility. 

About You

You’re a capable and confident legal professional with sound judgment, a pragmatic mindset, and strong relationship-building skills. Our legal work spans multiple areas, and we value a wide range of legal experience - whether your background is in private practice, government, or another in-house role. We encourage you to consider how your skills developed in one context may translate effectively into others.

To succeed in these roles, you’ll bring:

• Current NSW practising certificate (or ability to obtain one)
• 3+ years post-admission experience.
• Strong legal drafting skills, and the ability to advise upon and resolve complex legal issues. 
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build relationships and influence with impact.
• Strong time management skills, and an ability to manage competing priorities.
• Deep knowledge of workplace obligations and experience fostering a safe, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture

Please note:

• Background checks, including a criminal history check, may be required for successful candidates. 
• Applicants must have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available

What We Offer

• Salary: $136,030 - $145,745 plus 17% superannuation.
• Work life balance: 35-hour work week, generous leave conditions, additional university holidays, flexible and hybrid work options.
• Benefits: Career development and training, inclusive environment, staff discounts, wellness programs and more (see our benefits at a glance).

Our University

For 60 years, the University of Newcastle has been dedicated to outstanding education and research. We’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and in the top 40 universities globally for impact. Across our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore, the University of Newcastle enrols more than 37,000 students and is one of the region's largest employers.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application should include:

1.    Your CV (max. 5 pages)

2.    A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF):

• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role, and stating whether you are interested in a Fixed term role, Ongoing role, or both.
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential Criteria, as listed in the position description.

Applications close: 11:59pm (AEST), Sunday 20th July 2025

We’ll review applications after the close date and aim to provide updates within two weeks.

Contact Us

Position Enquiries: For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact: Joerg Schneider, Senior Legal Counsel - joerg.schneider@newcastle.edu.au or 4921 6353.

For technical support or alternative submission pathways, please contact: Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist. jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au or +61 2 4055 0612.

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