Immediate Start: Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel (Employment & Industrial Relations)

Job no: 517518
Work type: Continuing - Full-time
Campus: Adelaide
Categories: Legal

A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated based on experience

Full time Continuing position.

An exciting opportunity exists to join the University’s legal function, part of the Legal Services Branch within the Division of University Operations in the role of Legal Counsel – HR and Industrial Relations.

The Legal Counsel (Employment & Industrial Relations) has primary responsibility for the delivery of employment and industrial relations advice and support to the University. Working with a considerable degree of autonomy and under the broad direction of the General Counsel and Executive Director, Legal Services and the Manager, Legal Services, the Legal Counsel (Employment & Industrial Relations) will provide specialist legal advice to the University’s Human Resources Branch and other senior stakeholders in relation to a range of matters, including interpretation and applicability of employment laws, the University’s Enterprise Agreement, investigations, misconduct processes, industrial relations disputes, and litigation in relation to University employees in various courts and tribunals. The Legal Counsel (Employment & Industrial Relations) will also provide support and assistance in relation to other types of legal matters within their skill and expertise.

To be successful you will need:

- Significant post qualification experience in a law firm or in-house legal role.

- Demonstrated specialist expertise in employment and industrial relations laws and the Fair Work Act 2019.

- Demonstrated expertise in relation to associated laws such as those relating to discrimination, harassment and equal opportunity.

- Demonstrated expertise relating to the principles of and processes for investigating allegations of misconduct.

- Ability to represent the University at pre-trial hearings in a range of courts and tribunals.

- Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as exercise independent judgement and discretion and work under minimal supervision.

- Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and provide pragmatic and commercial solutions, taking into account relevant legal and non-legal factors.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Legal Services team overview

The Legal Services team comprises part of the Legal Services Branch. The Legal Services team is responsible for delivering high quality, commercially astute legal advice to support all of the University’s activities, including procurement, information technology, international and industry engagement, research and commercialisation, disputes, governance, regulatory compliance, employment and industrial relations.

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter and resume.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Manager, Legal Services -- University Operations

You’ll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below:(If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.

Advertised: 23 Oct 2025 12:00 AM
Applications close: 06 Nov 2025 11:55 PM

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