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.

LET'S REVEAL THE PERKS

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

…along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That's why we're passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you're joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We're proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

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. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET'S START

• If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you Get your application in by midnight, 31 August 2025
• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Sean Lucy, General Counsel, 02 4921 0221 or via email slucy@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• If you need assistance or an adjustment when submitting your application please click here or contact Penny Howell, Coordinator Talent Attraction on 0437 931 461 or via email phowell@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch, we're here for you
• To view the Capability Framework – Role Profile relevant to this role, please click here
• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement
• Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council's recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing

Lake Macquarie City Council
126-138 Main Road, Speers Point, NSW 2284
Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310