General Counsel

The Australian National University; Canberra; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian National University seeks an accomplished General Counsel to lead the University Legal Office and provide strategic legal advice to the Council, Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership. Based in Canberra, the role focuses on governance, risk management, and complex commercial and research matters, shaping policy and ensuring regulatory compliance across the university's mission.

The successful candidate will be admitted or eligible as a Barrister or Solicitor in Australia, bring

Qualifications

• Qualified Barrister or Solicitor admitted in an Australian jurisdiction.
• Extensive post‑admission experience providing strategic legal advice in a large, complex environment.
• Proven ability to lead high‑performing legal teams and partner with executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent, strategic legal counsel to University Council and senior leaders.
• Lead the University Legal Office and manage its operations.
• Advise on governance, regulatory compliance, commercial and research activities, institutional risk.

Skills

Governance

Regulatory compliance

Strategic advice

Stakeholder management

Education

Law degree or equivalent

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 and serves as a trusted adviser on 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.