Legal Counsel

About the job

Are you a sharp legal mind with a passion for legislation, clarity and making the complex simple? We're looking for a Legal Counsel who can help us build something that will make a difference across the university: a brand-new compliance register that's legally accurate and readable.

At UTS, our vision is to be a leading public university of technology recognised for our global impact. We are a dynamic and innovative university, ranked by the Times Higher Education as Australia's top young university, and located centrally in one of the world's most liveable cities. With a culturally diverse campus life and extensive international exchange and research programs, UTS prepares graduates for the workplaces of today and tomorrow.

About the Team

The Compliance and Assurance Unit, part of the Office of General Counsel, is responsible for coordination and oversight of enterprise-wide compliance across UTS. The university sector operates in a highly regulated, evolving legislative landscape. The team is on a mission to raise the bar on how we identity and manage our legislative compliance risks across the business.

About the Role

The primary purpose of the Legal Counsel is to support the development of a new legislative compliance register to clear and more comprehensive information about the specific obligations the university is subject to. You will lead work writing our new compliance register-one that's practical, easy to understand, and integrated into how we work.

In this fixed-term (12 month) role, you will be responsible for:

• Identifying and interpret compliance obligations under relevant state and federal legislation (including subordinate legislation).

• Drafting plain-English summaries of identified obligations and potential breaches for inclusion in the UTS compliance register.

• Collaborating with other team members to consult with Faculties and business units to validate legal interpretation and ensure practical relevance.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• a love for statutory interpretation, clear writing and the ability to translate legislation into plain-English

• strong organisational skills and are comfortable working with a broad range of stakeholders

• over seven years post qualification experience

• an interest in doing legal work that's practical and people-focused.

An understanding of university structures, policies, procedures and systems would be a bonus.

With examples, please outline within your cover letter, how you meet the following key selection criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience interpreting legislation and drafting written material in a plain English style for a non-legal audience.

2. Understanding of and experience in the application of controls put in place to meet compliance requirements.

3. Proven experience in gaining consensus and from stakeholders, negotiating effectively, and issues in a manner that aligns with organisational goals

4. Over seven years post qualification experience.

Remuneration

A competitive salary, including 17% superannuation, is on offer for the successful candidate.

UTS staff also benefit from a wide range of Employee Benefits include flexible work practices, child care centres, generous parental leave and salary packaging opportunities.

This position is full-time, and appointment will be made on a 12-month fixed-term basis.

How To Apply

In order to obtain:

• a copy of the Position Description;

• information on remuneration, benefits, terms and conditions; and

• full details of the application process,

please click the Apply link to be taken to the UTS website.

Closing Date: Friday 6 June 2025 at 11:59pm (AEST)

Applicants must have current and valid work rights in Australia, as well as a current NSW Lawyers unrestricted Practising Certificate (or eligibility to obtain such).