• Strategic senior legal opportunity in one of Australia's leading not-for-profit health organisations
• Advise executives, shape legal frameworks, and contribute to meaningful healthcare outcomes
• Join a values-led team committed to justice, compassion, integrity, and excellence
• Better and fairer care. Always.

For over 165 years, St Vincent's has delivered compassionate, innovative healthcare to Victorian communities. As part of St Vincent's Health Australia, the nation's largest not-for-profit Catholic health and aged care network, we are proud to continue this legacy of care and advocacy.

An exciting opportunity is now available for a highly experienced legal professional to join our high-performing Legal and Risk team in the role of Senior Corporate Counsel at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne.

The Opportunity

Senior Corporate Counsel
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne - Legal Department
Full-time | Fixed-Term | Classification: HS5 (Grade 5 Year 1)
Location: Fitzroy, VIC

We are seeking a proactive and expert Senior Corporate Counsel to provide legal advice and manage a broad range of legal matters across the organisation. This is a strategic and hands-on advisory role, supporting the CEO, Executive Team, and operational leaders to ensure legal compliance, mitigate risk, and achieve sound commercial outcomes across the hospital.

As part of a small, agile team, you will also provide guidance on sensitive legal issues, manage a range of medico-legal and Coroner's Court matters, act as Privacy Officer, and contribute to continuous legal education across the organisation. This role also includes supervision and mentoring of team members in the FOI and medico-legal space and the training and supervision of paralegals.

About the Organisation

St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a major tertiary teaching and research hospital with over 7,000 staff across 18 sites. We provide acute medical and surgical services, sub-acute care, diagnostics, mental health services, rehabilitation, palliative care, correctional health, and aged care. We are driven by our mission to deliver high-quality, person-centred care, particularly to those experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent, solution-focused legal advice to the CEO, Executive Team, Committees, and senior managers
• Advise on and support the management of medico-legal matters, Coroner's Court matters, and related insurance issues
• Provide advice and action matters involving workplace health and safety, privacy law, freedom of information, health complaints management, employment, confidentiality and correctional health
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documents, including:
• Government and commercial contracts
• Research and clinical trial agreements
• Oversee and advise on privacy legislation
• Collaborate with the Research Office to review clinical and ethics documentation and support the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
• Commission and manage external legal counsel where appropriate
• Provide legal training and mentoring to staff, legal team members, and other stakeholders
• Ensure timely reporting of legal matters to the Executive Director, Corporate Services for Board briefings
• Promote legal risk awareness and a culture of proactive compliance across all departments

About You

You are admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and eligible to hold a practising certificate from the Victorian Legal Service Board.

You are an experienced, collaborative legal professional who thrives in a dynamic, values-led environment. You demonstrate:

• 6+ years' post-qualification experience, ideally in a large organisation, law firm, or health-related setting
• Strong expertise in medico-legal and Coroner's Court litigation matters health law, privacy, FOI, and risk management
• Practical experience advising senior leaders and working within complex, regulated environments
• Excellent legal drafting and negotiation skills, with an ability to simplify complex issues for non-legal audiences
• High emotional intelligence and excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills
• An understanding of the legal issues facing the healthcare sector, and a passion for mission-driven work
• Proven ability to manage competing deadlines and operate autonomously and strategically
• A strong commitment to SVHM's values: compassion, integrity, justice, and excellence

Why Join St Vincent's

When you work at SVHM, you are part of something greater than just a job. You will:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous salary packaging (up to $15,900 tax-free income)
• Professional development and internal career pathways
• A diverse and supportive team environment

• Make a difference in a mission-based organisation that prioritises inclusion, access, and advocacy
• Work in a collaborative and forward-thinking legal team that supports your development
• Enjoy a role with meaningful variety and influence, engaging with all levels of the organisation
• Receive access to:

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is subject to:

• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Hepatitis B, Varicella, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (as applicable for Risk Category B staff)

• Satisfactory National Police Check
• Compliance with SVHM's Employee Health Screening and Immunisation Policy, including vaccinations for:

You will also be required to disclose any pre-existing injuries or conditions that could be impacted by your work duties.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SVHM is committed to building an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with disabilities.

How to Apply

Click APPLY now if this opportunity aligns with your values and experience.
Your application must include:

• A Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the role
• A Current Resume detailing your experience

Have a Question or Want to Know More?

Please contact Denise Men, Talent Partner, at [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

Respectfully, no recruitment agencies.