Deputy General Counsel

Department of Energy and Economic Diversification; Perth South; On-site; CAD 178,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy and Economic Diversification in Western Australia seeks an experienced Deputy General Counsel. You will advise senior leaders on complex legal matters, lead commercial negotiations, and guide a team of legal officers.

Strong knowledge of contract law and parliamentary processes is essential for delivering strategic, compliant outcomes. You will report to the General Counsel, shaping legal priorities, managing risk, and engaging with ministers on high-stakes matters while

Qualifications

• Substantial in-house legal experience, public or private sector.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and contract law.
• Sound understanding of parliamentary and legislative processes.
• Ability to provide complex legal advice and negotiate commercial matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise Minister, Director General, and senior executives on complex legal matters.
• Lead legal advice on commercial matters and negotiate agreements.
• Supervise and develop a team of legal officers.
• Set priorities with General Counsel and manage risk for ministerial inquiries.

Skills

In-house counsel

Commercial law

Contract law

Parliamentary process

Education

Law degree (LLB/JD)

Job description

Shape the Future of Western Australia

Join a department that’s powering WA’s energy transition and building a bold, diverse economy for generations to come. At the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED), your work will help drive innovation, support local businesses, and position WA on the global stage. If you're ready to make a real impact - this is where your next chapter begins.

Grow your career with us

Explore our career opportunities and graduate program to discover how you can make a meaningful impact. For current vacancies, visit us on LinkedIn or head to the DEED corporate website.

About The Department

DEED is responsible for securing the State’s energy and economic future, driving innovation and long-term prosperity for all. This includes:

• Ensuring Western Australia is a reliable, efficient and attractive place to do business
• Increasing business investment
• Fostering Western Australia’s skills and capacity now and into the future
• Driving the energy transition

The Department is guided by the following principles which shape our culture, decision-making and strategic direction:

• Lead with empathy and integrity: Act with kindness, respect and care for colleagues, stakeholders and communities. Be authentic and transparent, making grounded decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term priorities.
• Collaborate and connect: Build trust and strong relationships across teams, regions and international offices. Break down silos, share expertise and engage stakeholders constructively to deliver better outcomes together.
• Take ownership and be accountable: Lead at every level by taking initiative, leaning on strengths and empowering others. Define roles, responsibilities and decision pathways clearly, ensuring accountability is visible and consistent.
• Focus on progress and continuous improvement: Prioritise finding practical solutions. Reflect, learn and adapt quickly to changing circumstances, continuously improving processes to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication.
• Stay aligned to purpose and impact: Keep connected to DEED’s bigger picture, enabling Western Australia’s long-term prosperity. Align actions to strategy, work across government and deliver innovative solutions that create enduring value for the community.

About The Role

Tenure: Permanent, full-time vacancy.

Science and Innovation, Industry and Corporate Capability builds the State’s capacity through targeted support, fostering innovation and industry capability and ensures effective and efficient administration of DEED’s financial assistance and equity programs and business support functions.

DEED’s Legal Services division is looking for an experienced in-house lawyer with sound judgement and strong commercial skills to step into this senior role.

As Deputy General Counsel, you will advise the Minister, Director General, General Counsel and senior executives on complex and sensitive legal matters. You will lead the legal advice on the Department’s commercial matters and negotiate complex agreements on its behalf.

You will report to the General Counsel and supervise a team of legal officers, directing their work, managing performance and supporting their development. You will also help the General Counsel set Legal Services priorities, manage risk and respond to ministerial enquiries.

We encourage you to apply if you have substantial in-house legal counsel experience, in either the public or private sector. You will have strong knowledge and experience in commercial or contract law and statutory interpretation, with the ability to provide complex advice, negotiate complex commercial matters and draft legal documents. A sound knowledge of the parliamentary and legislative process is also essential.

Further information about the role and the expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form. Assessment of leadership behaviours may be included in the recruitment process. Core leadership behaviours outlined in the Leadership Expectations are also applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Leading Others, the expected behaviours may be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.

Further information about the role and the expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form. Assessment of leadership behaviours may be included in the recruitment process.

Interested in more information?

For information regarding this position, you are encouraged to contact General Counsel Stephenie Vahala on 0460 311 796 or [e-mail].

To learn more about what we do and how to prepare your application, please refer to the Applicant Information Pack.

Supporting diversity and inclusion

As an equal opportunity employer, the department is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities, and young people.

If you have any communication or access needs and require adjustments to take part in the application process, please contact our Talent Team at [e-mail]. We are committed to providing a fair and supportive recruitment experience for everyone.

Additional Job Information

Applications must be submitted prior to the closing date and time specified in the job advertisement. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants deemed suitable may be considered for appointment to similar roles within the department for up to 12 months following the completion of this recruitment process.

Successful candidates will be required to obtain a National Police Clearance before commencing employment. Some positions may also require an Australian Government Security Clearance.

Closing Date: Your online application must be submitted online prior to the closing date and time - 3:00 PM (AWST) on Monday, 16 November 2026

Attachments

• Endorsed JDF - Deputy General Counsel - Legal Services - JTS17058 - SCL6 - October 2026.pdf