Legal Counsel
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Job Summary
Based at our Melbourne (Burwood) or Geelong (Waterfront) Campuses hybrid work arrangements
Full-time & Continuing
HEW 9 $138102 - $146374 (4% increase will apply from 29 June 2026) 17% Superannuation
Why work with us
At Deakin we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong Melbourne and regional Victoria youll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare gyms medical centres cafes accessible public transport and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services ongoing professional development opportunities and inclusive supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether youre working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.
About the Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Universitys Legal Services team supporting the Research and Innovation portfolio and our Faculties. You will play a key role in supporting cutting-edge research initiatives providing legal guidance on complex and evolving matters within a dynamic and collaborative environment. Being comfortable with intellectual property (primarily patents and copyright) is required and having expertise or experience in relation to HERDC research in a higher education context or regarding Clinical Trials would serve you well.
As the Legal Counsel you will:
Review draft and advise on contracts policies and other documentation; including maintaining templates tools and resources.
Interpret and advise on legislation common law legislative instruments regulations policies and procedures.
Act as a front-end professional assessing risks and benefits anticipate potential problems pre-empt required actions and evaluate implemented courses of action and make adjustments as required.
Advise and represent the University in relation to negotiations disputes and litigation matters which may include appearing and/or instructing external lawyers in relevant Courts and Tribunals.
Conduct legal research and stay up to date on legal issues relevant to the University and undertake useful and relevant training and upskilling for key client groups.
To be successful youll have:
A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or a postgraduate Juris Doctor (JD) qualification in law and relevant experience
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 with ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to deliver pragmatic solutions-focus legal advice in a timely manner.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced complex and dynamic environment.
Experience with the higher education research health pharmaceutical hospital technology or engineering sectors highly regarded.
Skills in relation to legal technology AI and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement highly desired.
Minimum 4-5 years post qualification experience (PQE).
Heres how to apply:
Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role please contact Bec Taube (Head of Legal Services) on
For a copy of the position description please see below:
Applications for this position close on Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11.55PM
Are You Ready
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 Genderbased Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Genderbased Violence during the course of their previous employment or otherwise in a legal process.A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced genderbased 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 Universitys safety obligations.
About Company
Deakin is Australia's 9th largest university with over 44,000 students, of whom approximately a fifth are international students from over 100 countries. We have more than 8,000 international students from over 100 different countries 40% of our domestic students, and 28% of our in ... View more
