Corporate Counsel, APAC

Jensen Hughes; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm in Sydney is seeking a Corporate Counsel to support its business across the Asia and Pacific region. The role involves providing strategic legal support to various teams and ensuring compliance with regional regulations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of legal experience, be fluent in English, and have strong problem-solving skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to global strategies while supporting a positive workplace culture.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Career development opportunities

Company paid parental leave

Qualifications

• 10 years of general practice experience as an attorney.
• Fluent in English, and at least one of Mandarin, Cantonese or Korean.
• Experience working in Australia or Asia.

Responsibilities

• Support regional compliance initiatives related to privacy and data security.
• Advise on employment issues and related HR legal matters.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts.

Skills

Legal research and writing

Problem solving

Project management

Effective communication

Ability to work autonomously

Job description

Jensen Hughes is known throughout the world as the experts in fire protection engineering – a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939.

Today, our expertise extends broadly across closely related security and risk-based fields – from accessibility consulting and risk analysis to process safety, forensic investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more.

Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring our clients can protect what matters most.

For over 80 years, we have helped mitigate risks that threaten lives, property and reputations. Through technology, expertise and industry-leading research, we remain dedicated to our purpose of making our world safe, secure and resilient.

At Jensen Hughes, we believe that creating and sustaining a culture of trust, integrity and professional growth starts with putting our people first. Our employees are our greatest strength, and we value the unique perspectives and talents they bring to our organization.

Our wide range of Global Employee Networks connect people from across the organization, supporting career development and providing forums for individuals to share experiences on topics they're passionate about.

Why you should grow your career at Jensen Hughes

• You will work with market-leading clients and have the backing of a leading international firm.
• You'll have support from the leadership team and given flexibility to work where and when you want.
• Flexible working arrangements and Casual Friday.
• Regular monthly social activities and other celebratory occasions.
• Five weeks annual leave and Company paid parental leave.
• Career development and ongoing internal and external learning opportunities.
• Perks, benefits and reward platform - Perkbox.
• Great company culture and benefits.

Job Overview

Jensen Hughes is looking for a Corporate Counsel to support our growing business across the Asia and Pacific region. The purpose of this role is to act as a true partner to the business and to provide strategic support to key parts of the business. We are looking for someone to support a variety of different teams and help support our positive environment with all our colleagues. The role reports to our US General Counsel and is a highly visible position with the opportunity to grow and develop global business strategies while providing high-quality legal support to our engineers, consultants and analysts that serve our clients in making our world safe, secure and resilient.

Responsibilities

• Support regional compliance initiatives related to privacy, data security, and other regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and implement legal policies and procedures.
• Advise on employment issues, including employment law, immigration compliance, and related HR legal matters.
• Support the drafting, review, and negotiation of commercial contracts and professional services agreements.
• Assist with commercial litigation matters, including dispute resolution and legal risk assessments.
• Provide guidance on corporate governance, business formation, and general corporate law matters within the North American region.
• Monitor legal developments affecting the business and advise on necessary updates or changes.
• Work closely with external counsel as needed and support internal legal projects.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 10 years of general practice experience as an attorney with a law firm or in-house counsel generalist role. Employment, immigration and/or corporate transactional experience preferred.
• Fluent in English and essential to speak at least one of the following languages Mandarin, Cantonese or Korean.
• Experience working in Australia, New Zealand and Asia (South Korea, Macau or Shanghai).
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non‑legal partners up and down the corporate chain.
• Experience with communication to executive level.
• Strong problem solving skills, project management and business acumen.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, function autonomously and take initiative.
• Approachable, flexible and adaptable to change in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work across domestic and global time zones.
• Experience in a Building Construction or Professional Services Industry highly regarded.

Jensen Hughes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

At Jensen Hughes, we embrace innovation and understand that people are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and other generative platforms to learn, prepare and communicate. We have provided some guidelines regarding the responsible use of AI in the recruitment process. Please click here to review.