Legal Counsel

• Flexible location at Burwood or Geelong campuses + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term for 12 months
• $143,627 - $152,229 (HEW 9) + 17% Superannuation

Our Assurance capability, consisting of Legal Services, Compliance, Contract Governance and Risk develops the University’s assurance frameworks and policies, and provides key expertise that underpins compliance and corporate governance and Deakin's commitment to high standards of integrity.

The Legal Services team advises on a range of legal issues across teaching, learning and research, including advisory support and dispute resolution.

The Legal Counsel is a member of the University’s Legal Services team, providing expert legal advice and services to stakeholders and associated entities on employment, industrial relations and workplace law matters, including litigious matters.

Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel - Employment, this role will support a key workplace law compliance program, assisting to ensure the University’s compliance with legislation and industrial instruments, protect the University's interests and manage disputes and risk.

• Provide expert legal advice on employment, industrial relations and workplace matters, including interpreting and advising on workplace laws, industrial instruments and policies.
• Draft and review documents, including communications, agreements, templates, tools, and resources.
• Support investigation and review of workplace practices and assist in the development and implementation of pay rules, remediation methodologies, system and process improvements and compliance controls.
• Conduct legal research and prepare briefings, reports and guidance for internal stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making and enhancing skills and knowledge across the compliance program.
• Advise and represent the University in the management and resolution of disputes including through negotiation and/or litigation and managing relationships with external legal providers when required.
• Support the University in its engagement with external regulators and stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks and strengthen internal governance and assurance processes, while building strong stakeholder relationships, delivering timely, high-quality legal services with professionalism, confidentiality, and autonomy.                                

• A Bachelor of Laws degree or other Postgraduate qualifications in law (eg a Juris Doctor) and extensive relevant experience; or equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training
• Been admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
• A current Australian Practising Certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
• Strong drafting, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical solutions to legal problems on a timely basis.
• Experience and knowledge in relevant area(s) of legal practice

Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

For enquiries regarding this role, please contact DeakinLegal@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 Legal Counsel_PD_HEW 9.pdf

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.

Advertised: 28 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 18 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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