• Legal Services Division
• This is a full-time, permanent position
• Salary will be in the range $155,197 - $164,123 including 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 9)
• The total salary package may be negotiable commensurate on experience
• Work at our vibrant and conveniently located St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

An outstanding opportunity exists for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel (Property and Projects) to join UQ's Legal Services Division.

In this pivotal role, you will provide expert legal advice on a wide range of property transactions and commercial projects, including complex matters involving the planning, negotiation, and delivery of major development initiatives. You will also advise on broader commercial legal matters and issues affecting the University's diverse operations.

While your primary focus will be on Property and Projects, you will be flexible and responsive to work across other legal streams as needed - guided by client demand, expertise, and the priorities set by the Director and General Counsel.

As a senior member of UQ's Legal Services team, you will work in a collaborative in-house environment and will also supervise and manage the work of junior and mid-level lawyers.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide timely, high-quality legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer, other executive management and key decision makers across UQ.
• Provide legal advice on property related transactions and projects, including complex matters relating to the planning and delivery of major development projects.
• Draft, negotiate and advise on a range of commercial agreements including, leases, licences, construction contracts, consultancy contracts and collaboration agreements.
• Draft documents and advise on the procurement of major projects including tender documents, and project agreements.
• Provide legal advice on a wide range of other legal issues affecting UQ.
• Provide legal advice in relation to the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and in relation to legislative programs, as required.
• Manage the provision of legal services outsourced to external legal providers (private law firms and counsel) to ensure value for money, quality and timeliness of work produced.

For a full copy of the position description, please contact [email protected]

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options
• Health and wellness discounts - fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

The successful applicant must be admitted as a Solicitor or Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland, with demonstrated relevant expertise and experience (for example, a minimum of 7 years post admission experience is preferred). Additionally, you will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in property related and commercial transactions, including advising on complex / major development or commercial projects.
• The ability to draft a wide variety of legal documents and to handle and resolve complex legal issues.
• Sound judgement skills and commercial acumen with a focus on finding solutions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills that enable you to effectively communicate and liaise with a diverse range of clients with other stakeholders.
• The ability to build and sustain positive relationships with team members, internal clients and external stakeholders.
• The ability to work both independently and to contribute effectively in a team environment to provide quality and timely client service.
• High levels of flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to rapidly adjust to new situations, challenges, priorities and work allocations.
• Demonstrated time management and organisational skills and a meticulous attention to detail, with a proven ability to prioritise tasks to meet competing deadlines with a high degree of accuracy in the context of minimal supervision.
• Personal drive and integrity and the ability to deliver impartial and forthright advice.

Desirable

• Understanding of the legislative framework that applies to UQ or experience in acting for a statutory body or government entity.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Christine Phoenix, Practice Manager [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Tuesday, 15 July 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-52605).

Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.