Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel – Perth or Brisbane
Strategic Impact – Shape the future of innovation, IP and technology governance across Rio Tinto's global operations.
Professional Growth – Work with a high-performing legal team and gain exposure to cutting-edge innovation.
Meaningful Purpose – Help deliver the materials the world needs, responsibly and sustainably.
About The Role
At Rio Tinto, we're finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
We are seeking a
Legal Counsel – Intellectual Property Innovation & Technology
to deliver high-quality, independent legal advice across innovation, IP and technology matters. You'll play a key role in ensuring governance, managing risk, and protecting our people, assets, and reputation.
You'll be part of a connected, international legal team supporting innovation from mine to market. With a strong focus on values, performance, and leadership, Rio Tinto offers a rewarding environment where your contributions are recognised.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Principal Legal Counsel, APAC, and working within the Innovation & Technology Legal Team, you will
Intellectual Property Advice
Provide legal advice on IP and technology ownership, licensing, confidentiality, and technical data protection, with a focus on negotiation of innovation, IP and technology related matters in procurement and commercial contracts.
Negotiate non-disclosure and related agreement contracts.
Simplification Initiatives
Review internal IP innovation & technology legal processes to identify opportunities for simplification, and improvement and efficiency.
Develop and deliver training, precedents, and guidance to raise innovation, IP and technology IP awareness across the business.
Ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness of delivered initiatives.
What You'll Bring
Admission to legal practice in an Australian jurisdiction with an unrestricted practising certificate.
Minimum 3 years PQE in commercial contracting, ideally with IP or technology transaction experience (but not essential – a keen interest in IP and technology is sufficient).
Strong interpersonal, organisational, and self-management skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Commitment to safety and ethical practice.
Location Brisbane or Perth.
What We Offer
A permanent role with Rio Tinto, where safety is the top priority.
Competitive salary with annual incentive program.
Subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family.
Share ownership plan and company-provided insurance.
Salary packaging options and career development support.
Paid leave for all life's moments – annual, parental, and sick leave.
Access to wellbeing programs and exclusive employee discounts.
Potential domestic relocation assistance.
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About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Every Voice Matters
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different. #J-18808-Ljbffr