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Legal Counsel - Government (6+PAE)

Planning, Environment, Public Law, Legal Counsel, Lawyer, Solicitor, Government, Local Authority
The Opportunity
This large metropolitan local authority delivers a broad range of services aimed at supporting community wellbeing, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and civic compliance. The organisation operates within a complex regulatory framework and engages with residents, elected officials, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality public service. It is committed to transparency, collaboration, and continual improvement across operational and governance activities.

Position Purpose
Reporting to the General Counsel, this role contributes to the delivery of proactive and strategic legal support across the organisation’s functions. The Legal Counsel works with internal clients, external advisors, and third-party counsel to ensure legally sound outcomes for the authority.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide timely legal advice across governance, compliance, planning, environmental and litigation matters
  • Represent the authority in legal proceedings, particularly involving development-related disputes
  • Engage and instruct external legal providers as required
  • Maintain legal precedents and contribute to policy refinement
  • Ensure compliance with internal processes and statutory obligations
  • Liaise with elected officials, other departments, external counsel and members of the public
  • Manage legal negotiations independently and responsibly
Stakeholder Relationships
  • Senior executives and elected representatives
  • Internal business units across operational, regulatory and strategic areas
  • External panel law firms, consultants, government bodies, and community stakeholders
  • Courts and tribunals within NSW
Key Dimensions
  • Operates with significant autonomy and delegated authority
  • Responsible for litigation timelines and legal spend oversight within set parameters
  • Reports to General Counsel
Essential Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor of Laws and admission to practice in NSW
  • Current NSW practising certificate (or ability to obtain one)
  • Demonstrated experience providing legal advice and managing litigation
  • Familiarity with planning, environmental, or broader public law matters


What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.



LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Legal
Location
NSW - Sydney CBD
Specialism
Legal
Pay
Up to $200000
Ref:
2946285

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Harry Davies, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Sydney
Level 13, Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square

Telephone: 0280626192

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