Job Title: Senior Legal Counsel – Franchise Group
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Reports To: General Counsel
Salary: $160,000- 180,000 base plus super

About Us:
Our client is a leading Australian food and beverage franchisor with a diverse portfolio of well-known hospitality brands operating across the country and internationally. With a strong commitment to quality, customer experience, and franchisee success, we continue to expand our footprint in the café and casual dining industry. Our client offers a strong work-life balance, a fast-paced environment, and the opportunity to work across multiple businesses within their group.

Job Summary:
The Senior Legal Counsel will provide strategic legal guidance and support to the franchise group, ensuring compliance with franchise laws, commercial agreements, and regulatory requirements. This role will be instrumental in managing risk, advising on business initiatives, and leading legal negotiations. The ideal candidate will be professional, polished, driven, and motivated, with extensive experience in franchise law, commercial contracts, and corporate governance. This position offers a fantastic change from a big firm and billable hours, with a more balanced work structure including one remote workday per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel on franchise agreements, franchise disclosure documents (FDD), and franchise compliance matters.
  
  
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including franchise agreements, supplier agreements, and leases.
  
  
• Advise on regulatory compliance and risk management related to franchise operations.
  
  
• Manage and resolve franchise-related disputes, litigation, and mediation matters.
  
  
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and expansion efforts by conducting due diligence and structuring deals.
  
  
• Ensure corporate governance compliance and support board and executive leadership on legal matters.
  
  
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including finance, HR, and operations teams, to align legal strategies with business goals.
  
  
• Stay up to date with franchise laws and industry best practices to proactively address legal risks.
  
  
• Engage and manage external legal counsel as needed.
  
  
• Report directly to the General Counsel and be supported by junior lawyers and paralegals.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree from an accredited law school.
  
  
• Admission to practice law in Australia.
  
  
• Minimum of 7+ years of legal experience, with a strong focus on franchise law and commercial transactions.
  
  
• Experience working in-house within a franchise group or a law firm advising franchisors is highly preferred.
  
  
• Litigation and franchising background will be highly regarded.
  
  
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Work with a dynamic and growing franchise group in the food and beverage industry.
  
  
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
  
  
• Opportunity to influence key business decisions and drive strategic growth.
  
  
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
  
  
• Strong work-life balance with one remote workday per week.
  
  
• Great transition from a big law firm, eliminating billable hours stress.
  
  To apply or for a confidential discussion please contact
  Anna, [email protected]
  
  

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