General Counsel

Bright Horizons Family Solutions; Canberra; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian National University (ANU) seeks a strategic General Counsel to lead its legal practice and provide high‑level legal advice to the Chancellor, Council, and university executives. The role demands exceptional judgement, integrity and the ability to influence at the highest levels of the organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the General Counsel will head the University Legal Office, manage governance, regulatory compliance, commercial and research activities, and

Qualifications

• Admitted or eligible as a Barrister or Solicitor in an Australian jurisdiction.
• Extensive post-admission experience providing strategic legal advice.
• Ability to lead high-performing, collaborative teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to University Council and senior leaders.
• Lead the University Legal Office including governance, compliance, and risk.
• Support decision-making across research, education and engagement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance expertise

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Litigation strategy

Education

Legal qualification (Barrister/Solicitor)

Job description

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.

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.