- Join a high-performing, collaborative and supportive in-house legal team
- Exciting opportunity to work across a range of complex and diverse matters and act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders of the University
- Flexible working arrangements
Victoria University (VU) is seeking an exceptional, collaborative senior lawyer to play a critical role within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), VU's high-performing and supportive in-house legal team. The successful candidate will partner with internal and external stakeholders to provide pragmatic and responsive legal services that support VU's strategic plan and its compliance with regulatory and legal obligations.
About Us
Our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028.
VU is a bold and progressive dual sector University, evidenced by the implementation of an Australian first, the VU First Year College (FYC) and the VU Block Model as well as VU TAFE, renowned as a digital innovator in training and highly valued industry collaborator.
Our research with impact is strongly aligned to our TAFE and higher education offerings. These include Sports and Exercise Science (ranked 7th in the world) as well as Policy Studies, Water, Green Research translation, Immunology and Early Childhood Education.
VU has a strategic commitment to being a thriving place to study and work. We are one of Australia's most culturally and socially diverse universities, and our international students are highly valued contributors to the VU community.
About the Role
Reporting to the General Counsel in the OGC that sits in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, this critical role serves as a trusted advisor and business partner, offering expert legal advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor and executive team, senior leaders and internal stakeholders on all areas of VU's operations and business.
Adopting a practical approach to legal problems and risks, the Senior Legal Counsel will oversee complex legal matters, work closely with the General Counsel and senior leaders on key strategic matters, and support and mentor more junior team members within OGC.
In addition, the Senior Legal Counsel will be instrumental in ensuring the OGC remains a high-performing and trusted in-house legal team, and in driving and supporting systems and process improvement. In doing so, the Senior Legal Counsel will be inclusive, collaborative, and encourage and support the personal and professional growth and development of all OGC team members.
If this role has grabbed your interest, we would love you to be part of VU's talented in-house legal team and encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
About You
VU's collaborative working environment will help you thrive and achieve the best outcomes for yourself, the solutions you lead and the high-quality outcomes you deliver. You will have:
- A tertiary qualification in law and an Australian legal practitioner with a current Victorian legal practising certificate (unrestricted) with at least six years' post-admission experience in an in-house setting or in private practice.
- Extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: corporate and commercial transactions; intellectual property; employment; administrative law; public law; litigation and dispute resolution; regulatory matters (freedom of information, integrity, privacy); and property and leases.
- An excellent ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, and exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate and negotiate confidently with senior executive and leadership.
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to contribute to a team that values wellbeing, collaboration, and connectedness.
- Outstanding time management and organisational skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritise and manage multiple matters and priorities at the same time.
Conditions & Benefits
This full-time role is being offered on a continuing basis with a competitive base salary plus 17% superannuation contribution together with other benefits and flexible working options.
For information on our employee benefits, flexible working, gym memberships and other benefits, please visit .
How to APPLY
To view a copy of the position description please click here.
Your application must include:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
- A statement addressing the selection criteria (no more than 3 pages)
- Your resume.
For specific queries related to the role, please contact Lisa Filippin, General Counsel on or .
Application Closing Date: 21 March 2025 at 11:59 pm
Commitment to Protecting Country
Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at VU
The University encourages applications from women, gender diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from under-represented backgrounds in this field and at this leadership level. The University believes that diversity of the workforce adds value to the University and creates a stronger, richer working environment for everyone. The University is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process for candidates with particular access needs. Candidates who require adjustments are encouraged to contact the designated contact person for the role to discuss their needs.
