Legal Counsel

About the role

Yarra Trams is looking for a commercially minded and pragmatic Legal Counsel to join its Legal, Risk, Compliance & Claims team. Reporting to the Director, Legal, Risk & Compliance, the role provides practical, independent legal advice covering the Tram Franchise Agreement, complex commercial contracts, regulatory compliance and disputes. It suits someone who enjoys close partnership with the business and wants their legal work to have a real impact on Melbourne's tram network.

Key responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical and commercially focused legal advice, turning complex legal and contractual issues into clear guidance
• Advise on the Tram Franchise Agreement, related transaction documents and regulatory requirements, including government submissions, approvals, consents and waivers
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, and give legal input into procurement strategies and contracting structures
• Help prevent, manage and resolve contractual and commercial disputes, including correspondence, settlement documents and briefs to external legal advisers
• Contribute to compliance frameworks, controls and assurance processes, and monitor legal and regulatory developments
• Drive continuous improvement through templates, playbooks, legal and compliance training and the responsible use of legal technology and AI tools

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Law, admission as an Australian lawyer and a current Australian practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one)
• Minimum of four years' post-admission experience, ideally in-house or within transport, infrastructure or government contracting
• Experience advising on commercial contracts, procurement, contract administration and complex transaction documents
• Ability to identify, assess and communicate legal, contractual and compliance risks to legal and non-legal audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, working with executives, suppliers, contractors, government agencies and regulators
• Sound judgment, discretion and attention to detail, able to work autonomously under pressure

What we offer

• A free travel pass for Victoria's public transport network
• Competitive salary and great conditions
• Career growth opportunities and workplace flexibility
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and paid parental leave policies