Senior Legal Counsel

Cancer Council NSW is Australia's leading cancer organisation and our vision is to change the path of cancer and make sure no one walks alone. We are dedicated to meaningful careers where you will not only change the lives and futures of people affected by cancer, but you will work in a multi-award awarding winning culturally connected environment.

About us

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support.

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia's leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you'll know that each day the work you're doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.

Together, we will work towards our goal of a cancer free future, while at the same time encouraging you to get the most out of your life with a supportive environment anchored in flexibility, physical and mental wellbeing to bring out the best of what makes you uniquely you. CCNSW we're here for meaningful careers that feel good.

About the team

The Legal team is responsible for managing the legal affairs of CCNSW and protecting the organisation against unacceptable legal risk.

About the role

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Legal Counsel provides support and advice to the business, including support on matters that have strategic significance. The role supports the General Counsel by undertaking the majority of the oversight of the team's Legal Counsel, as well as oversight of the volunteer interns that participate in the team's work from time to time. The role plays a key part in the design and implementation of legal process improvement initiatives and stands ready to act as an alternate for the General Counsel in organisational forums and in interactions with the Executive Leadership Team and Board.

This role will be a 12 months maximum term contract.

Key responsibilities of the role

• Draft, review and approve all contractual agreements, and assist business owners in negotiating with customers, suppliers, service providers, retailers, partners, collaborators and other stakeholders, in respect of a wide range of commercial, IT, IP, research, events and fundraising agreements.
• Provide advice (and manage advice provided by external lawyers) on legal and regulatory issues of importance to the organisation, including the Charitable Fundraising Legislation and Privacy Law.
• Draft template contracts used by the organisation, having regard to evolving best practice in the content and format of Australian commercial contracts.
• Assist in the regular review and development of policies, procedures and training programs for staff on relevant legal issues.
• Assist in the management and protection of organisation's intellectual property, in accordance with the Intellectual Property Policy including trade marks, copyright and moral rights (as applicable).
• Coordinate legal support (including external support as required) for the management of bequests made to the organisation, including the efficient management of external legal support for Court proceedings relating to contested estates.
• Assist in the regular monitoring and reporting of changes to relevant legislation and regulations, taking or advising on appropriate action to respond to such changes.
• Participate with the General Counsel in the establishment of relationships with external lawyers and perform a relationship management role that optimises the opportunity for CCNSW to receive pro bono legal support.
• Stand ready to act as an alternate for the General Counsel in organisational forums and subject-specific teams (Privacy Officer, Incident Management Team, Data Breach Response Team); and in interactions with the ELT and Board if required.
• Play a key role in the identification, design and implementation of legal process improvement opportunities to benefit the Legal team and the organisation.
• Contribute significantly to the oversight of the team's Legal Counsel, as well as oversight of the- volunteer interns that participate in the team's work from time to time.

About you

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in law and current practicing certificate, with 8+ years of experience including in-house in a legal role.
• Strong negotiating and drafting skills, with experience in drafting content to address evolving areas of law.
• Proven track record in managing legal activities (from matter inception to completion) gained either in a law firm or in-house.
• Proven experience in interpreting and negotiating contracts with suppliers to achieve sustainable relationships.
• Strong verbal, presentation and written communication skills.
• Strong service orientation and interpersonal capability.
• Sound commercial judgement and experience, including the ability to formulate and communicate commercial (as well as legal) solutions to stakeholders.
• Confident, reliable and mature in attitude, who can work autonomously.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Privacy Law and Charitable Fundraising Legislation.
• Knowledge of Wills and Succession Law.
• Some basic knowledge of or interest in oncology, cancer services and the needs of persons affected by cancer.

About the benefits

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year.
• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award.
• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office
• Additional performance-based leave available.
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation.
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work. We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work. As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with us at

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume.

Applications Close: 17th September 2025