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Senior Legal Counsel

Adelaide | Permanent | In-House Legal | Front-End Commercial | Sovereign Defence Project

Your new company

We’re partnering with a leading defence organisation to recruit a Senior Legal Counsel for its growing legal team supporting Australia’s sovereign submarine build. This is a front-end commercial legal role tied to Australia’s future submarine capability under AUKUS — one of the most strategically significant projects underway in the country.

You’ll advise on procurement, governance, compliance, regulatory risk, and export control. This role offers autonomy, variety, and national-level impact, with direct access to senior stakeholders and exposure to international legal frameworks.

Your new role

  • Lead legal input on high-value contracts – procurement, IP, sponsorships, NDAs, JVs

  • Provide advice on governance, risk, compliance and export control (e.g. ITAR)

  • Support nuclear regulatory readiness and interface with Defence stakeholders

  • Manage legal matters across disputes, employment and incident response

  • Mentor junior legal counsel and support internal legal capability uplift

  • Deliver legal education and participate in cross-functional legal projects

What you'll need to succeed

You’re a confident and commercially grounded legal professional who brings:

  • 5+ years post-admission experience (PQE)
  • Strong front-end commercial legal experience – drafting, negotiation, stakeholder advice
  • Experience in Defence, aerospace, government, infrastructure or other regulated industries
  • The ability to manage matters independently and provide pragmatic advice
  • Australian citizenship and eligibility for NV1 clearance (required)
  • A collaborative mindset, sound judgement, and values-led approach

What you'll get in return

This is not a standard in-house legal role — it’s an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s most critical sovereign defence programs, backed by long-term government support.

  • Contribute to a nationally strategic submarine program under AUKUS
  • High-stakes legal advisory across government, regulation and international frameworks
  • Embedded in a high-trust, senior-facing legal team
  • Structured pathway to leadership and exposure to global Defence collaboration
  • International travel
  • Ideal for interstate candidates looking for strategic work and lifestyle
Exceptional benefits:
  • 30 days annual leave
  • Bonus scheme (~6%)
  • Flexible work options
  • Long-term career development & technical training

What you need to do now

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact, apply now or contact suras.khosla@hays.com.au for a confidential discussion.



LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Government & Public Services
Location
SA - Adelaide
Specialism
Legal
Ref:
2947224

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Suras Khosla, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Adelaide
Level 17, 11-19 Grenfell St

Telephone: 0396049519