Legal Counsel

As Legal Counsel, you’ll play a pivotal role in Lake Macquarie City Council’s Legal team, contributing to the delivery of high-quality legal services that support the organisation’s strategic and operational goals. Reporting to the General Counsel, you’ll manage a diverse portfolio of legal matters independently, provide expert legal advice to senior management and staff, and represent Council in hearings and forums.

You’ll be responsible for drafting complex legal documents including contracts, deeds, and voluntary planning agreements and for guiding and mentoring junior legal staff. Your work will span across regulatory compliance, litigation, and strategic legal planning, with opportunities to collaborate across departments and influence outcomes that shape the future of the city.

This is a dynamic, high-impact role for a legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced, values-driven environment and is seeking an organisation with a sense of purpose. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that includes two Legal Counsel, one Associate Legal Counsel, three Paralegals, and a Team Administrator, supported by a panel of external legal firms for specialist matters or peak demand.

You are a seasoned legal professional with demonstrated in-house experience, ideally within the public sector, and a strong track record of managing complex legal matters and regulatory interactions. Your ability to navigate multiple projects with competing priorities is matched by your high-level problem-solving and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build trusted relationships while maintaining professional objectivity.

You bring expertise in briefing external counsel and legal providers, completion of a Bachelor of Law and hold a current unrestricted Australian Practicing Certificate. An understanding of local government operations in New South Wales and relevant legislation is highly desirable, as is a current driver’s licence. If you’re ready to lead, advise, and collaborate in a dynamic legal environment, we’d love to hear from you.

This position provides:

• Competitive salary from $143,292 to $168,578 a year plus 12% superannuation
• 35-hour working week on a nine-day fortnight
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• A collaborative, inclusive team culture driven by purpose and values
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• The chance to work for a community you’ll be proud to serve

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability.

If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Get your application in by midnight, 31 August 2025.