Special Counsel at Griffith University

City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

16 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Legal Advice, Governance, Commercial Law, Property Law, Employment Law, Compliance, Privacy, Litigation, Contract Negotiation, Statutory Interpretation, Legislative Reform, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Mentoring, Team Collaboration, Continuous Improvement

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Company Description Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. Job Description About the Opportunity Join our Office of General Counsel as a trusted advisor on complex, high risk legal matters. In this senior role, you’ll provide strategic, solutions focused advice to support the University’s objectives, governance, and compliance obligations. You’ll lead significant legal matters including disputes, regulatory issues, and commercial arrangements while shaping legal strategy and governance practices. Partnering with executive leaders and key stakeholders, you’ll ensure informed decision making and uphold ethical, sustainable operations across the University. Key Responsibilities Provide high level, strategic legal advice on complex and sensitive matters across areas such as governance, commercial, property, employment, compliance, privacy, and litigation. Act as a trusted legal partner to senior leaders, translating legal risk into practical, outcome focused guidance that supports strategic objectives. Lead and manage complex legal matters, including disputes, investigations, and regulatory engagements, ensuring timely and cost effective resolution. Draft, review, and negotiate high value contracts, agreements, and governance documents in line with legislation and best practice. Advise on statutory interpretation, legislative reform, and emerging legal risks impacting the University’s operations. Oversee external legal providers, managing briefs, budgets, and performance to ensure quality and value. Drive continuous improvement of legal frameworks, policies, and processes to strengthen governance and compliance. Build strong stakeholder relationships and position the Office of General Counsel as a proactive, strategic partner. Mentor and support junior legal staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. About you The occupant of this position will hold relevant postgraduate qualifications (including legal qualifications) with at least 7 years’ post admission experience. Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and will be subject to a National criminal history check. What we can offer This is a five year fixed-term position based at Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate. Additional Information Why join Griffith? As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme Opportunities for internal mobility Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. How to apply Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description. Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Jake Barwick, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected] Closing date: Monday 26th January @ 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online. Primary Location (Campus): Brisbane South (Nathan) Employment Type: Full Time Department ID: Legal Services - LSV Appointment Type: Fixed Term

Responsibilities

The Special Counsel will provide strategic legal advice on complex matters and lead significant legal issues such as disputes and regulatory engagements. They will also mentor junior staff and drive improvements in legal frameworks and governance practices.