Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel
Job no: 585569
Work type: Full-time
Location: Geelong - City, Melbourne - Burwood
Categories: Legal Services
- Based at our Melbourne (Burwood) or Geelong (Waterfront) Campuses + hybrid work arrangements
- Full-time & Continuing
- HEW 9 $138,102 - $146,374 (4% increase will apply from 29 June 2026) + 17% Superannuation
Why work with us?
At Deakin, we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you’ll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.
About the Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the University’s Legal Services team, supporting the Research and Innovation portfolio and our Faculties. You will play a key role in supporting cutting-edge research initiatives, providing legal guidance on complex and evolving matters within a dynamic and collaborative environment. Being comfortable with intellectual property (primarily patents and copyright) is required, and having expertise or experience in relation to HERDC research in a higher education context or regarding Clinical Trials would serve you well.
As the Legal Counsel, you will:
- Review, draft and advise on contracts, policies, and other documentation; including maintaining templates, tools and resources.
- Interpret and advise on legislation, common law, legislative instruments, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Act as a front-end professional, assessing risks and benefits, anticipate potential problems, pre-empt required actions and evaluate implemented courses of action and make adjustments as required.
- Advise and represent the University in relation to negotiations, disputes and litigation matters, which may include appearing and/or instructing external lawyers in relevant Courts and Tribunals.
- Conduct legal research and stay up to date on legal issues relevant to the University, and undertake useful and relevant training and upskilling for key client groups.
To be successful, you’ll have:
- A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or a postgraduate Juris Doctor (JD) qualification in law and relevant experience
- Admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
- A current Australian Practising Certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
- Strong drafting, communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver pragmatic, solutions-focus legal advice in a timely manner.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and dynamic environment.
- Experience with the higher education, research, health, pharmaceutical, hospital, technology or engineering sectors highly regarded.
- Skills in relation to legal technology, AI and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement highly desired.
- Minimum 4-5 years post qualification experience (PQE).
Here's how to apply:
Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Bec Taube (Head of Legal Services) on b.taube@deakin.edu.au
For a copy of the position description, please see below:
PD - Legal Counsel.pdf
Applications for this position close on Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11.55PM
Are You Ready?
Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.
We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.
We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.
Pre-employment safety and suitability checks:
In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.
Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.
Advertised: 09 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 30 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
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