Senior Legal Counsel at Victoria University Minimal

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

19 Jun, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Corporate Transactions, Commercial Transactions, Intellectual Property, Research Law, Stakeholder Management, Legal Advice, Communication Skills, Time Management, Organizational Skills, Autonomous Working

Industry

Higher Education

Description

* Join a high-performing, collaborative and supportive in-house legal team * Act as a trusted and senior adviser to the University’s Research & Impact portfolio to drive the University’s research initiatives * Based at our Footscray Park campus with flexible working arrangement Victoria University (VU) is seeking an exceptional, collaborative senior lawyer to play a critical role within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) in providing expert legal advice to the University’s Research & Impact portfolio. As a senior lawyer within OGC, the successful candidate will partner with, and act as the day-to-day contact for, senior leaders within the Research & Impact portfolio to provide pragmatic and responsive legal services that support VU’s research initiatives. About Us: At VU, our vision is to be one of the leading impact-driven universities in the world by 2030. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drivers embedded in our strategic plan. One of the drivers “Thriving place to Study and Work” will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride. Our research with impact is strongly aligned to our TAFE and higher education offerings. These include Sports and Exercise Science (ranked 7th in the world) as well as Policy Studies, Water, Green Research translation, Immunology and Early Childhood Education. About the Role: Reporting to the General Counsel in the OGC that sits in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, this critical role serves as a trusted advisor and partner to VU’s Research and Impact portfolio, offering expert legal advice and support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Impact), Executive Director, Research Services, and senior leaders and internal stakeholders relating to research matters. This is a full-time, ongoing role offering a competitive salary. If this role has grabbed your interest, we would love you to be part of VU’s talented in-house legal team and encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. For a detailed copy of the position description please click here: Senior Legal Counsel [https://webresources.vu.edu.au/hr/employment/pdf/2026/481_HEP 10_Senior Legal Counsel_966426.pdf] For more information about the role, please send your enquiries to briar.hirst@vu.edu.au or via phone (03) 999 5939. About You: VU’s collaborative working environment will help you thrive and achieve the best outcomes for yourself, the solutions you lead and the high-quality outcomes you deliver.  You will have: * A tertiary qualification in law and an Australian legal practitioner with a current Victorian legal practising certificate (unrestricted) with at least 5-6 years’ post-admission experience in an in-house setting or in private practice. * Significant experience in corporate and commercial transactions and intellectual property and/or research related matters. * Excellent ability to work autonomously and independently, as well as collaborate with team members, escalate matters where necessary, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. * Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders, both internal and external, and interact with and influence senior leaders. * Outstanding time management and organisational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously, and maintain up-to-date files. How to Apply: To submit your application please click on the Apply button. Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising: * A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity * Your curriculum vitae/resume * Your responses addressing the selection criteria located in the position description of no more than 3 pages. Applications will close Sunday 5 July 2026 at 11:59pm. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia. Why Join VU:  VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage [https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/strategy-leadership-governance/jobs-at-vu]  Our Commitment: Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all—embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio‑economic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality [https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/our-uni/equality-inclusion-belonging/gender-equity/wgea-statement], we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrier‑free recruitment experience by providing adjustment

Responsibilities

Act as a senior legal adviser to the University's Research & Impact portfolio to drive research initiatives. Partner with senior leaders to provide pragmatic and responsive legal services and expert advice on research matters.