Legal Counsel

Deliver clear, accurate legal advice across planning, environmental, commercial, and administrative matters.

Permanent, full-time role with WFH and RDO options, with reasonable after-hours work as needed.

Salary from $128,405.61 to $149,228.14 per annum + 12% Superannuation (Grade K).

Make a Difference Where You Work

As Legal Counsel at Willoughby City Council, you’ll play a vital role in supporting good governance and responsible decision-making that directly impacts the local community. From providing timely legal advice and managing litigation, to supporting sustainable development and ensuring compliance with key legislation, your work will help shape a safe, transparent, and well-functioning local government. Collaborating with internal teams and external experts, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to delivering real value to its residents.

Why Join Us?

Impactful Work – Contribute directly to decisions and outcomes that shape the local community and improve the lives of residents.

Collaborative Culture – Be part of a supportive, professional team that values integrity, innovation, and shared success.

Career Growth – Gain exposure to diverse legal matters across multiple jurisdictions, with opportunities for development in a dynamic local government environment.

About the Role

As the Legal Counsel, you will:

Prioritise daily tasks and manage workload effectively to meet organisational and regulatory requirements.

Exercise independent judgment when negotiating and advising on complex legal matters.

Provide timely, accurate legal advice on a wide range of matters including planning, environmental, commercial, and administrative law.

Support the General Counsel in managing litigation across multiple courts and jurisdictions, with or without external counsel.

Draft, review and negotiate legal documents such as leases, licences, deeds, easements, and contracts.

Provide expert advice on Council’s legislative responsibilities under the Local Government Act 1993, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Roads Act 1993, Conveyancing Act 1919, Crown Land Management Act 2016, and other relevant legislation

Liaise with internal stakeholders and manage the engagement of external legal providers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services.

Conduct legal research, monitor legislative changes, and support continuous improvement in legal compliance and service delivery.

What You’ll Bring:

Tertiary qualification in Law.

Admission to practice as a Barrister or Solicitor in New South Wales.

Current NSW Legal Practising Certificate.

Experience in providing and managing the provision of quality legal advice and services across a variety of legal practice areas including property law, environmental law, planning and administrative law

Experience in the preparation and provision of advice on complex legal issues.

Well-developed written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.

Demonstrated experience in property and commercial law, including leasing, licensing, tenders, and contracts, preferably within local government or a similar environment

Experience in legal practice within a corporate, local government, government or private practice environment.

Excellent prioritisation skills and a strong attention to detail.

Desirable:

Awareness of the key issues and the statutory and regulatory environment relevant to local government in NSW.

Experience with Technology One (HRIS and payroll system) and ECM (records management).

How to apply

Visit https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-with-us/Careers to apply or learn more including all about the range of benefits on offer at Willoughby.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description. The Position Description (PD) is located in the Job Attachments section of the job listing.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

Applications close: Sunday, 9 November 2025 at 11.30 pm

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.