The Opportunity
The Senior Legal Counsel provides expert risk-based legal advice and strategic support to the University across major capital projects and institutional initiatives including as part of UNSWs new Campus Development Plan.
Focusing on complex construction matters and supplementary expertise in planning property and commercial law youll operate with a high degree of autonomy partner with senior stakeholders to mitigate legal risk shape contracts and dispute resolution strategies and ensure compliance across the project life cycle. The position reports to the Head of Commercial & Real Estate Law and has no direct reports.
The Organisation
UNSW isnt like other places youve worked. Yes were a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together we are driven to be thoughtful practical and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. Its the reason were one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS top 20) and a member of Australias prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive be challenged and do meaningful work youre in the right place.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:
Who you are
You have at least eight years post-qualification experience strong expertise in complex construction law and eligibility to practise in NSW. Ideally youll also bring experience in property planning and environment law and familiarity with AS and NSW Government construction contracts.
To Apply: If shaping major capital projects that will define the future of UNSW is of interest to you please submit your CV and Cover Letter addressing the Skills and Experience required (nominated in the Position Description) via the APPLY button.A copy of the Position Description can be found on.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSWs focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety ethical conduct and strong integrity preferred candidates willbe requiredtoparticipatein a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the followingchecks: -
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
Closing date: 11.55pm Sunday 8th March 2026.
Contact: Shiree Thomas - Talent Acquisition Partner e:
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds those living with disabilities members of the LGBTIQ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Required Experience:
Senior IC