Senior Legal Counsel

TalentWeb | B Corp; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentWeb | B Corp is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to serve as the principal legal advisor, delivering commercially focused guidance to support business objectives in a well established Wholesale Bank in Australia.

You will lead governance, regulatory and litigation matters, supervise external counsel, and partner with senior management on banking transactions, strategic initiatives and risk management to enable growth with strong controls.

Qualifications

• Admitted solicitor in Australia with 5+ years’ PQE in a leading law firm, financial institution or equivalent in-house setting.
• Experience supporting complex transactions, strategic initiatives, and senior executive decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of Banking Law, Commercial Law and Corporates Act.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Bank's lead legal advisor, providing commercially focused advice to business heads and senior executives.
• Provide legal oversight across Banking activities and commercial contracting.
• Partner with stakeholders to support growth initiatives, complex transactions and strategic projects.
• Oversee litigation, regulatory inquiries, and enforcement matters, advising on resolution strategies.
• Maintain legal standards, templates, reporting, and governance processes.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on change management.
• Manage external legal partnerships, budgets and service provider performance.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and lead the legal function with sound judgment and accountability.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Regulatory & compliance

Contract negotiation

Litigation oversight

Strategic advisory

Education

Solicitor qualification in Australia

Practising Certificate

Job description

The Senior Legal Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor, providing commercially focused legal and strategic advice to support business objectives while managing legal and regulatory risks at a well established Wholesale Bank. Acting as a trusted partner to senior management, the role supports banking transactions, strategic initiatives, governance, and regulatory and litigation matters across the Bank’s operations.

Success is measured by the ability to deliver pragmatic legal solutions that enable business growth, support key initiatives, and maintain strong governance and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Bank's lead legal advisor, providing commercially focused advice to business heads and senior executives.
• Provide legal oversight across Corporate & Institutional Banking, Trade Finance, Treasury, Financial Markets, Technology, Outsourcing, and commercial contracting activities.
• Partner with stakeholders across the Bank to support growth initiatives, complex transactions, new products, and strategic projects while managing legal and regulatory risk.
• Oversee litigation, disputes, investigations, regulatory inquiries, and enforcement matters, managing risk and advising on resolution strategies.
• Maintain legal standards, templates, reporting, and operational processes to enhance consistency, efficiency, and governance.
• Monitor and assess regulatory, legislative, and industry developments, ensuring the Bank responds effectively to change.
• Manage external legal partnerships, budgets, and service provider performance to ensure high-quality and cost-effective legal support.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, lead and continuously improve the legal function, fostering a culture of sound judgment, collaboration, accountability, and practical risk management.

Skills & Qualifications

• Admitted solicitor in Australia with 5+ years’ PQE in a leading law firm, financial institution or equivalent in-house legal environment.
• Proven experience supporting complex transactions, strategic initiatives, and senior executive decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of Banking Law, Commercial Law, Corporates Act and applicable legislations.
• Experience managing external legal counsel and legal budgets.
• Sound knowledge of the Australian legal and regulatory framework for financial institutions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior executives and governance committees.
• Holding a current Practising Certificate.