Legal Counsel in Strathpine

We’re excited to be growing our in-house legal team and are seeking a talented Legal Counsel - Commercial to join us. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced lawyer looking to grow their career and make a meaningful impact in Local Government.

As part of the collaborative and high-performing legal team, you will strengthen and expand our capability in providing legal advice in commercial, procurement and local government legislative requirements. In this team, no two days are the same.

You will:

• Provide timely and practical legal advice on commercial, procurement and strategic matters affecting the council.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of commercial agreements, including service contracts, procurement documents, consultancy agreements, funding agreements, memoranda of understanding, and infrastructure-related contracts.
• Support council business units in the procurement and delivery of goods, services, construction, and community projects through legally sound contracting practices.
• Advise council on compliance with local government legislation, administrative law principles, statutory obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify, assess, and manage legal risks associated with commercial transactions, operational activities, projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct legal research and due diligence to support decision-making and the development of council policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports, legal opinions, briefing notes, and recommendations for senior management, executive leadership, and council meetings.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across commercial, procurement, governance and community services teams to support council objectives.
• Monitor legislative developments, case law, and emerging legal issues impacting local government operations and provide proactive advice to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain, and improve legal precedents, contract templates, policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to support best practice and organisational compliance.
• Assist with negotiations and facilitate the resolution of commercial disputes involving contractors, suppliers, government agencies, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of council's legal services by promoting effective risk management, corporate governance, and commercially sound decision-making.

While the primary focus of this role is the provision of legal advice regarding commercial and procurement, you will also have opportunities to contribute across other areas of Council's legal service as business needs require.

About you

You’ll be part of a collaborative, people-focused environment where you’ll be supported to develop your skills, strengthen relationships across the business and contribute to delivering contemporary, best-practice legal services.

You will:

• Play a key role in projects that deliver lasting benefits to the community.
• Work closely with senior leaders across the organisation.
• Be supported by experienced legal professionals in a collaborative environment.
• Have opportunities to broaden your practice across governance, planning, property, construction and other local government legal disciplines.

Local Government offers a diverse and interesting portfolio of work, giving you exposure to a broad range of legal areas while deepening your expertise. If you’ve ever considered a move into Local Government, this is an ideal time to join us as we grow!

Why City of Moreton Bay?

What you do with your life matters. It’s the same with your career. We’re the third-largest council in Australia and one of the fastest-growing areas. As Australia’s newest city, we’re building something that’s never been done before: a new kind of city, inspired and empowered by a new kind of council. This is your opportunity to develop skills and experience in a truly unique place, at a truly unique point in time.

At City of Moreton Bay, we’re focused on the vital work we do today. But we’re also focused on the future. On what can be – for our city, our Council and your career.

Here’s what you’ll love about a career with us:

• Find a better work-life balance with a nine-day (72.5-hour) fortnight, plus a hybrid, flexible working environment with some work-from-home days.
• Negotiated salary increases locked in through our EBA - 4% in July 2027 (or CPI capped at 4.5%, whichever is greater).
• Advance your skills and career through our Study, Training And Research Scheme (STARS).
• Make your pay go further with salary packaging options on novated leases, superannuation payments, smartphones and devices.
• Prioritise your health and wellbeing with discounted health insurance, free annual flu vaccinations and our Fitness Passport Program.
• Get support when you and your family need it most with our 24/7 confidential counselling service and Mates in Construction program.
• Our Strathpine office has local parking on site and is close to public transport networks, making for an easy commute.

Ready for a career that matters? Join City of Moreton Bay, and help shape our city of the future.

As part of the recruitment process, applicants will be required to undergo a National Criminal History Check.

City of Moreton Bay extends across the traditional lands of the Jinibara, Kabi Kabi, and Turrbal peoples, and we acknowledge and pay respects to Traditional Custodians. We believe diversity of thought, background and experience creates better outcomes for our people and communities, and we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of all ages, genders, abilities and cultural backgrounds.