About the role

We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our dynamic and collaborative team, providing high-quality, strategic advice across a diverse and inclusive organisation. In this senior role, you will work with people from varied backgrounds and areas of expertise, empowering others by delivering clear, practical legal guidance in a respectful and empathetic manner. As part of a cohesive and supportive legal team, you will contribute your knowledge while upholding the highest professional standards and integrity as an officer of the Court, supporting Council in delivering vital services to the community.

A little more about the role

This role requires you to apply your legal knowledge across a diverse organisation. You must bring curiosity and a willingness to understand the organisation and its drivers.

You will

Provide legal and practical advice to the Council and all its operational areas on legal and procedural matters across a wide range of areas and other matters affecting Council.

Conduct legal proceedings on behalf of the Council and act as instructing Legal Counsel or advocate for Council in a cost-effective manner.

Analyse and interpret a wide range of information in dealing with complex and varied legal issues and communicate advice in a practical, inclusive, empowering and accessible manner.

Liaise at all levels (including senior level) and across the organisation to co-ordinate and prepare responses to legal issues

Provide expert advice to manage and minimise risk (both financial and reputational) in relation to decisions and implementation of Council’s strategies.

Work effectively and supportively as a team member and be able to work autonomously.

Why join Team Melbourne?

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About you

What your experience might look like

A relevant legal qualification, admission to practice the Supreme Court of Victoria and holder of a current and unrestricted practicing certificate to practice in Victoria.

Experience in a diverse range of areas relevant to Local Government would be advantageous.

Demonstrated experience in statutory interpretation and legal practice relevant to compliance, enforcement, property, contract and other areas of law relevant to local government.

Proven ability to provide clear, specialist, expert and strategic legal advice on complex and sensitive matters and instruct in legal proceedings in courts and tribunals.

An understanding of Local Government and its drivers.

High level writing and verbal communication and computer literacy skills with an ability to communicate in plain clear language.

Proven interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, particularly in the provision of expert, accurate, confidential and sensitive advice and support to the Council and corporate management.

Demonstrated commitment to excellence in customer service and as a team player.

Contribute to an effective team culture and actively share knowledge within the team and organisation.

Demonstrated ability to manage and participate in projects relating to the development, implementation and review of major organisational legal issues and initiatives.

Demonstrated ability to use a positive, empowering and proactive approach to problem solving, and to work to multiple and demanding timelines.

Benefits of working with us

Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.

Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.

Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.

Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How to apply

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role! As part of your application, you will be required to:

Attach your updated resume

Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on 28th October 2025

A few important things to note – don’t miss out!

Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.

Apply early! This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don’t wait to get your application in.

We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?

Refer to the position description below or contact Megan Bowler - Legal Counsel at [email protected]

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.