Maitland City Council

Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Are you seeking a legal role where you can make an impact to a local community while enjoying genuine work/life balance? If so, then Maitland City Council would love to hear from you!

About the Role

As Legal Counsel, you will support the Senior Legal Counsel in delivering high-quality in-house legal services across a diverse and engaging portfolio of work. You will provide strategic legal advice to internal stakeholders on a broad range of matters, including planning, environmental, contract and local government law, as well as other legal and regulatory issues impacting Council's operations.

In this role, you will assist with the review, negotiation and drafting of contracts, agreements, policies and procedures, ensuring Council's interests are protected while enabling effective service delivery. Through your professional expertise, sound judgement and customer-focused approach, you will help Council navigate complex issues and achieve positive outcomes for our community.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will hold a degree qualification in Law, possess a current unrestricted Australian practising certificate, and have a minimum of three years' post-admission experience as a practising lawyer.

You will demonstrate strong legal research, analytical and interpretive skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical and concise advice on complex matters. You will also have highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and review complex legal documents with accuracy, clarity and attention to detail.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to undertake challenging and rewarding work that makes a genuine difference to the local community.

Benefits

This is a permanent full-time role, working 35 hours per week with a salary range from $118,909 - $137,269 + 12% super. Council also offers a range of benefits for its employees including:

• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid, 9-day fortnights and flexibility in start and finish times
• Generous leave benefits including 2 days health and wellbeing leave and long service leave after five years
• Paid parental leave
• Opportunity for career progression with training and development
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including Fitness Passport
• Modern office facility in the heart of Maitland with free parking

Questions?

If after reading the role charter you have any questions, contact Sue Walter, Senior Legal Counsel on 4934 9898.

Applications Close: Sunday 12 July 2026

To Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please click 'Apply Now' and submit your resume and cover letter.

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

What happens next?

Once applications close, we will review all candidates' details against the role requirements and will be back in touch with you to advise the status of your application.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing). Council also completes a range of other pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, psychometric testing or a criminal history check. For more information about the recruitment process, visit the "Jobs at Council" page on our website.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Maitland City Council is dedicated to providing a workplace that is inclusive and supportive and is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We support equal opportunities for all employees, and encourage applications from people from all cultures, nationalities, identities, and abilities. We believe all employees have the right to feel valued, respected and heard. If you have any special considerations or accessibility requirements, please let us know in the recruitment process how we are able to meet your needs.

If you require special assistance, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact us for a confidential conversation ([email protected])