In House Counsel

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle allowance

Flexible work - hybrid

Gym membership

Welcome experience

Career development

Annual salary increase

Long service leave

Employee assistance program

Salary packaging

Awards program

Job summary

Port Macquarie Hastings Council is seeking an experienced In House Counsel to join our Legal & Governance Services team. This role blends legal expertise with operational property services to support planning, property, environment law, procurement and governance.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will lead property services, manage external advisers, and draft complex agreements. A NSW practising certificate, 3+ years post‑admission and strong stakeholder skills are required; a driver’s

Qualifications

• A law degree and an unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• At least three years' post-admission experience in private practice, local government or an in-house legal environment.
• Experience managing property matters, land transactions and related systems, including PEXA.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to provide clear, practical advice to a broad range of stakeholders.
• A current Class C Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical and commercially focused legal advice across planning, property, environmental law, procurement, contracts, governance and compliance matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate a range of legal documents, including contracts, deeds, leases, licences and other complex agreements.
• Manage legal matters and external legal advisers, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Lead Council's property services function, including land transactions, lease and licence management, and the systems that support property operations.
• Support the General Counsel in driving continuous improvement and innovation within the Legal & Governance Services team.

Skills

Legal advice

Contract drafting

Land transactions

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Law degree

NSW Practising Certificate

Job description

At Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC), every employeeplays an important role in delivering positive outcomes for our community.We're looking for an experienced and motivated In House Counsel to join our Legal & Governance Services team.

This is a unique opportunity to combine legal skills with operational property servicesin a role that offers variety, challenge and meaningfulimpact.

Reporting to the Group Manager Legal & GovernanceServices (General Counsel), you'll work alongside a progressive andsupportive leader who is committed to continuous improvement and deliveringhigh-quality services across Council. You'll join a collaborative team thatvalues professionalism, innovation, sound judgement and a service-focusedapproach.

As the Legal & Property Services Manager, you will:

• Provide practical andcommercially focused legal advice across planning, property, environmentallaw, procurement, contracts, governance and compliance matters.
• Draft, review andnegotiate a range of legal documents, including contracts, deeds, leases,licences and other complex agreements.
• Manage legal matters andexternal legal advisers, while ensuring compliance with relevantlegislative and regulatory requirements.
• Lead Council's propertyservices function, including land transactions, lease and licencemanagement, and the systems that support property operations.
• Support the GeneralCounsel in driving continuous improvement and innovation within the Legal& Governance Services team.

You will bring:

• A law degree and acurrent unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• At least three years'post-admission experience in private practice, local government or anin-house legal environment.
• Experience managingproperty matters, land transactions and related systems, including PEXA.
• Leadership orsupervisory experience.
• Strongrelationship-building skills and the ability to provide clear, practicaladvice to a broad range of stakeholders.
• A current Class C DriverLicence.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in arole that genuinely makes a difference. You'll work on diverse and interestingmatters, contribute to significant community outcomes, and be part of acollaborative team that values expertise, initiative and continuousimprovement.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine legalexcellence with leadership and influence the way services are delivered acrossCouncil, we'd love to hear from you.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of$134,858 to $150,948 depending on skills and experience

Opportunity for performance based increases

This role also qualifies for a Vehicle allowance

• Flexiblework arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership throughmembership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to TheWelcome Experience
• Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
• Annual salary increase as per theLocal Government (State) Award 2026
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options availablethrough Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awardsceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviablelocations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect forhiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food andwine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity orhave any questions about the role, please contact Anthea Gilmore, Group ManagerLegal and Governance Services (General Counsel) on 02 6581 8***.

This role internally titled Manager Legal and Property Services.

Applications Close:Sunday 18 October at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.

We're here to support you every step of the way.

Notes

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to completepre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National CriminalPolice Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working withChildren Check verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process isprimarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correctbefore submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: applicationreceived, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/moreinformation, delay notifications, testing/assessments(aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes(unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensureour email address ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au and Pulse email ********@pulsesoftware.comis set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to theprinciples of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care andprotection of all children and young people.

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