In House Counsel

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements - hybrid

Gym membership discount

Learning and development opportunities

Annual salary increase as per LocalGov

Vehicle allowance

Relocation support

Salary packaging options

Employee assistance program

Recognition through awards

Job summary

Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) seeks an experienced In House Counsel to lead the Legal & Governance Services team. This role blends legal expertise with property services to deliver practical, commercially focused advice and robust contractual oversight.

You will advise on planning, property, environmental law, procurement and governance, draft complex agreements, manage external advisers, and lead the property services function including land transactions and system management.

Qualifications

• Hold a law degree and a current unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• Minimum three years' post-admission experience in private practice, local government or in-house.
• Experience managing property matters, land transactions and related systems, including PEXA.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to provide clear, practical advice to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Legal advice

Contract drafting

Property matters

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Education

Law degree

NSW Practising Certificate

Tools

PEXA

Job description

At Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC), every employee
plays 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 meaningful
impact.

Reporting to the Group Manager Legal & Governance
Services (General Counsel), you'll work alongside a progressive and
supportive leader who is committed to continuous improvement and delivering
high-quality services across Council. You'll join a collaborative team that
values professionalism, innovation, sound judgement and a service-focused
approach.

As the Legal & Property Services Manager, you will:

• 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.

You will bring:

• A law degree and a
  current 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.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a
role that genuinely makes a difference. You'll work on diverse and interesting
matters, contribute to significant community outcomes, and be part of a
collaborative team that values expertise, initiative and continuous
improvement.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine legal
excellence with leadership and influence the way services are delivered across
Council, 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

• Flexible
  work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through
  membership 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 the
  Local Government (State) Award 2026
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available
  through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards
  ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviable
locations. 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 for
hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and
wine.

Questions?

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

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 of
12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to complete
pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal
Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with
Children Check verification.

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

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