Remote Employment Counsel - Workplace Relations

Axiom; Melbourne; Remote; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom is partnering with a well‑regarded university to place a Legal Counsel within its legal team. The role acts as a service‑focused first point of contact across employment, disputes, complaints and investigations, supporting senior counsel to deliver timely, high‑quality advice.

You will oversee complex investigations involving students, staff, and third parties, with a focus on confidentiality and policy compliance, while collaborating with stakeholders across the university.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a lawyer in workplace relations (employment, industrial relations, safety, discrimination) and administrative law; higher education sector experience (in-house or private practice) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to deliver timely, business-relevant legal advice, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders at different levels.
• Demonstrated capacity to operate with a high level of confidentiality, diplomacy, and influence, supported by excellent interpersonal and time management skills.
• Able to work autonomously in a fast‑paced team environment, bringing a positive, can‑do attitude.

Responsibilities

• Act as a service-focused, proactive point of contact for internal clients and external parties across people/HR, workplace relations, student conduct and dispute matters, and other portfolios as required.
• Provide legal and strategic advice on staff and student disputes, including negotiation, mediation, resolution strategies, and management of court and tribunal proceedings (including briefing and managing external counsel).
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with key stakeholders and their teams, and deliver business-focused legal training on contemporary issues relevant to them.
• Develop, maintain and enhance template documents and legal resources, and prepare regular legal updates for internal communication channels.
• Manage the use of external legal advisers where appropriate, and ensure work is carried out in line with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Job description

Axiom is partnering with a well‑regarded university to place a Legal Counsel within its legal team. The role acts as a service‑focused first point of contact across employment, disputes, complaints and investigations, supporting senior counsel to deliver timely, high‑quality advice.

You will oversee complex investigations involving students, staff, and third parties, with a focus on confidentiality and policy compliance, while collaborating with stakeholders across the university.