Senior Legal Counsel

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

About the Opportunity 

Legal Services provides legal advice and services to the executive, administrative and academic areas of Griffith University. Specifically, they provide advice about legal issues and risk management to the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Executives, Office for Research and various other Offices and Elements of the University.

In that context, the Senior Legal Counsel is responsible for providing high quality, practical legal advice across a range of practice areas, in a timely and efficient manner in order to support the activities of the University. The Senior Legal Counsel is also responsible for managing and being the primary point of contact, advice and support for a portfolio of academic and administrative elements and research centres, acting as a key contact and providing training and awareness programs on legal issues to the relevant stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide the University, including the Vice Chancellor, Provost, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Pro Vice Chancellors, Chief Operating Officer, Directors and academic staff with high level, consistent, timely and practical legal advice on a range of the legal issues affecting the University.
• Interpret, draft and negotiate commercial legal arrangements across a range of subject matters including:
  • IT, QITC and general procurement contracts
  • Intellectual Property
  • Capital projects, leases and licences
  • Collaboration agreements and other joint ventures arrangement.
• Conduct matters where the University is a party to legal proceedings, particularly in tribunals which may include reviewing court documents, instructing the University’s external legal providers and attending tribunals on behalf of the University.
• Provide advice on changes to legislation which affect the operations of the University.
• Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including external legal providers, to represent the University on negotiations and facilitate conclusion of contract arrangements.
• Active supervision and mentoring of junior team members.
• Lead and promote compliance with relevant legislation and University policies and procedures, including equity and health & safety and exhibit good practice in relation to same. 
• Be a leading example of the principles and values embodied in the University’s Code of Conduct, and behave, act and communicate at all times to reflect fairness, ethics and professionalism.

About you 

• The occupant of this position will hold relevant postgraduate qualifications (including legal qualifications) with at least 5 years’ post admission experience.  

What we can offer

This is a continuing opportunity based at our Nathan campus.  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other campuses.

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on l.whitworth-matthews@griffith.edu.au

Closing date: Tuesday 1st September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.

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