Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

A leading Australian charity is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join its small, close-knit legal team, which works alongside Finance, Property, Procurement, ICT and Governance Risk and Audit teams to support the charity's day-to-day operations and projects. The role is based in the Inner West of Sydney, with a preference for full-time work and three days in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and services, including drafting legal documents and contracts, to all areas of the business
• Manage legal matters, including complaints, efficiently and effectively
• Assist with referring requests for external legal providers and build relationships with pro bono providers
• Conduct legal research and train staff, members and volunteers
• Help implement risk management procedures to maintain legislative compliance
• Draft and present papers at Board, Board Committee and Executive Leadership meetings

Required profile

• At least 7 years of experience, preferably in private practice or the charitable sector
• Tertiary qualification in law, with a Law Society of NSW Practising Certificate or eligibility to apply/renew
• Experience as commercial or in-house counsel in the not-for-profit, corporate or public sector
• Ability to advise a Board of Directors or similar body
• Understanding of charity governance, including the compliance obligations of a company limited by guarantee
• Understanding of the legal and compliance responsibilities of organisations serving children and vulnerable adults

Required skills

• Commercial contract negotiation and drafting
• Legal expertise in at least two of: corporate and commercial, privacy, litigation, employment, property, redress claims, wills and estates

What we offer

• Salary package of up to $171,600 base plus super ($192,192) and salary sacrifice of up to $15,900 annually
• Salary sacrifice on approved household expenses such as rent, mortgage, credit card payments and school fees
• Eligible staff can receive part of their salary tax-free under ATO rules