Senior Counsel, Commercial Contracts & Governance (5-year)

Western Sydney; Parramatta; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parking ( onsite parking)

Novated vehicle leasing

Employee Assistance Program

Flu vaccination

Fitness Passport

Onsite childcare

Job summary

Western Sydney University invites a Senior Legal Adviser to join the Office of General Counsel and University Secretary at Parramatta Southcampus. You will deliver strategic legal advice on complex contracts, governance, and regulatory matters, balancing commercial objectives with statutory obligations.

You will lead negotiations and drafting of high‑value agreements, oversee external counsel, and mentor the legal team to strengthen capability across the University.

Qualifications

• At least eight years’ post-admission experience as a senior lawyer.
• Experience in research and commercial contracts and corporate governance.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills; able to explain complex legal matters to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on complex commercial, research and governance matters.
• Lead review, negotiation and drafting of complex research, commercial and information technology contracts.
• Advise senior stakeholders on high-value transactions, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and legal risk.
• Oversee external legal providers, strengthen relationships across the higher education sector, and coach and mentor legal team members.

Skills

Negotiation

Commercial acumen

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor of Law / equivalent

Eligibility to practise law in NSW

Unrestricted NSW practising certificate

8+ years post-admission experience

Job description

Western Sydney University invites a Senior Legal Adviser to join the Office of General Counsel and University Secretary at Parramatta Southcampus. You will deliver strategic legal advice on complex contracts, governance, and regulatory matters, balancing commercial objectives with statutory obligations.

You will lead negotiations and drafting of high‑value agreements, oversee external counsel, and mentor the legal team to strengthen capability across the University.