General Counsel

Professional; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian National University (ANU) is seeking an accomplished General Counsel to lead the University Legal Office in Canberra. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer and provides strategic legal counsel to Council, Vice-Chancellor, and senior leadership across governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

The General Counsel will oversee high-quality legal services, collaborate with executive stakeholders, and help drive ANU’s mission in education, research, and community

Qualifications

• Must have strategic leadership experience in a large organisation
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-level legal advisory
• Strong relationship-building and influential communication skills
• Admitted, or eligible for admission, as a Barrister or Solicitor in an Australian jurisdiction

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive legal office delivering governance, regulatory compliance, commercial and research advice
• Provide strategic, pragmatic, and risk-balanced legal counsel to university leadership
• Support institutional objectives with pragmatic legal strategies and risk management
• Foster a culture of integrity and professional excellence within the Legal Office

Job description

4d ago , from Australian National University

Classification: Professional, Executive
Terms: Full-time, Fixed term (5 years)

The Australian National University (ANU) is seeking an accomplished and strategic legal leader to serve as its next General Counsel.

ANU is focused on its distinctive national mission, remarkable legacy, vibrant culture and extraordinary assets. Across our integrated research and innovation, education and engagement missions, the University is committed to excellence in service to the nation.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the General Counsel serves as the University's senior legal adviser and head of legal practice. The role provides independent, strategic and trusted legal counsel to the University Council, its Committees, the Vice-Chancellor, University Executive and senior leaders, supporting informed decision-making across a broad and complex operating environment.

The General Counsel is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the University Legal Office, fostering a culture of integrity, professional excellence and innovation. The role ensures legal issues are proactively identified and effectively managed, enabling the University to achieve its strategic objectives across research, education and community engagement.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the University, the General Counsel leads the delivery of high-quality legal services spanning governance, regulatory compliance, commercial and research activities, institutional risk, litigation and strategic initiatives. The position plays a critical role in enabling the University's strategic ambitions and requires exceptional judgement, strong relationship-building skills and the ability to provide influential advice at the highest levels of the organisation.

The successful candidate will be admitted, or eligible for admission, as a Barrister or Solicitor in an Australian jurisdiction and bring extensive post-admission experience providing strategic legal advice within a large and complex environment. They will be an influential and collaborative leader, recognised for building high-performing teams, partnering effectively with executive stakeholders and delivering pragmatic, strategically aligned legal advice in support of institutional success.

A Canberra base for our General Counsel is preferred to support collaboration with key stakeholders.

Korn Ferry is assisting ANU with this appointment.

Applications close on Sunday 18 October 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT.

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.