Senior Legal Counsel

About AARNet Australia's Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education.
AARNet is a charity and a licensed telecommunications carrier.
We are Australia's National Research and Education Network (NREN).
We connect over one million users—researchers, faculty, staff and students—at institutions across Australia, supporting education and research across a diverse range disciplines including high energy physics, climate science, genomics, radio astronomy and the arts.
Nationally, AARNet interconnects Australian universities, the CSIRO, and other organisations who have a research and education mission, or with whom the education and research sector interacts.
These include hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums.
Internationally, AARNet interconnects the Australian Research and Education (R & E) community to the world – and continuously develops new capabilities and partnerships to facilitate seamless data access and transfer.
AARNet also offers a suite of supporting applications to our customers.
These include network and collaboration services such as Zoom, that enable innovation in the delivery of research and education.
We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers.
We are not constrained by traditional products and solutions and we constantly strive to build the solutions that our customers will need tomorrow – today.
If you have the imagination, foresight and drive to build the future why not come and join us? The Role As our Senior Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive legal guidance and help driving our organisation to its next stage.
Operating within the telecommunications, education and not-for-profit legal landscape of Australia, you will be responsible for addressing a wide array of legal matters while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
We offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of a purposeful organisation while advancing your career in a collaborative and supportive environment.
If you are a passionate and driven legal professional seeking a challenging role where you can make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal advice and guidance on a broad range of matters, including commercial contracts, tenders, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
Analyse legal risks and implications associated with business decisions and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively, while taking into account wider business context.
Keep up to date with changes in legislation and regulations pertinent to the company's operations and proactively advise stakeholders on potential impacts.
Be able to conduct objective and critical legal analysis to draw accurate conclusions that recognise and manage contextual issues.
Proactively identify opportunities to enhance legal processes and procedures.
Mentoring and imparting knowledge to the broader team.
Instruct and manage external legal counsel.
Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial agreements, including but not limited to client contracts, vendor agreements, and joint partnership arrangements.
Ensure contracts comply with legal requirements and align with the company's objectives, while also protecting its interests.
Compliance and Risk Management: Manage legal risks with a focus on commercial outcomes, including drafting and negotiating complex contracts.
Engage with regulators and other relevant bodies as needed.
Provide training to employees, if required, on legal and compliance matters to promote a culture of awareness and adherence to legal standards.
Dispute Resolution: Manage legal disputes, including litigation, and ADR processes.
Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary and represent the company's interests in negotiations and settlement discussions.
Corporate Governance: Assist with corporate governance matters, including board meetings, regulatory filings, and compliance with corporate governance best practices.
Advise senior management and board members on governance issues and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Expertise, experience & qualifications Current Australian practicing certificate or ability to obtain one.
Minimum 7+ years of post-admission experience or equivalent, preferably with a combination of in-house and private practice experience.
Broad spectrum of corporate and commercial legal experience Experience in telecommunications, construction and/or not-for profit sector would be desirable.
Ability and willingness to obtain criminal record checks and security clearances.
Experience in establishing and operating within joint ventures will be beneficial.
Important skills Excellent drafting and communication skills.
Demonstrable commercial acumen and strong negotiation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
Ability to proactively identify and manage legal and compliance risks.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts and engage with a diverse range of non-legal stakeholders Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.
Conditions of employment AARNet is committed to diversity and providing equal opportunity to all.
We're a great place to work if you want to make a difference.
AARNet provides competitive remuneration and a host of other benefits in line with our HR policies which include: 17% superannuation; Flexible work options; Options to purchase additional Annual Leave; 2 days paid Women's Wellness Leave per month; 24 weeks paid Parental Leave – Primary Carer; Welcome back to AARNet superannuation payment – on unpaid Parental Leave for Primary Carer; 4 weeks paid Birth Trauma Leave; 24 weeks paid - Adoption Leave; 16 weeks paid Parental Leave – Secondary Carer; 5 days paid – First Nations Cultural Leave; 2 days paid Family Wedding Leave; 24 weeks paid – Foster Carer Leave; 5 days paid – Fertility Leave; 8 weeks paid – Gender Affirmation Leave; Strong Equal Opportunity focus; Sector leader in Social Responsibility and Ethics; and A culture and company structure that allows your career to grow with access to leading edge technologies #J-18808-Ljbffr

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