Senior Legal Counsel

UWA; Crawley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide expert legal advice and manage complex contracts. This role involves advising senior leadership and supporting legal compliance. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience as a legal practitioner and a strong ability to negotiate and draft agreements. The position offers a diverse and inclusive working environment as part of a top university ranked in the world.

Benefits

26 weeks paid parental leave after one year

4 weeks annual leave with purchase options

13 weeks long service leave after seven years

Salary packaging options

Discounted health insurance

Convenient on-campus childcare

Qualifications

• Must be an admitted legal practitioner in Western Australia with substantial experience.
• Experience in higher education or public service is advantageous.
• Ability to negotiate and draft complex commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent legal advice to the University's Executive and senior leaders.
• Draft and manage complex contracts for University operations.
• Prepare legal documentation to support governance and operations.

Skills

Legal services provision

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder communication

Governance and compliance knowledge

Education

Admission as a legal practitioner in Western Australia

5+ years post admission experience

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel

Job no: 522504
Work type: Full Time
Location: Crawley
Categories: Policy and Planning

Benefits

• 26 weeks paid parental leave after one year and 36 weeks after five years continuous service, regardless of gender.
• 4 weeks annual leave with the option to purchase more.
• 13 weeks long service leave after seven/ten years.
• Salary packaging options.
• 17% superannuation, with the option to reduce to the minimum super guarantee.
• 25% off UWA full fee courses, discounted health insurance, and convenient on-campus childcare options.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.

About the area

The Legal team plays a critical role within the Office of the Vice-Chancellery in ensuring it provides expert legal guidance and support on a broad range of matters affecting the institution. This includes advising on governance, compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and risk management. The role involves working closely with senior leadership to navigate legal challenges, ensure adherence to regulations, and support strategic decision-making.

About the opportunity

• Provide independent, pragmatic legal advice and services to the University’s Executive, senior leaders, schools, business units and staff, supporting delivery of the University’s strategic plan.
• Draft, negotiate and manage a broad range of high level and complex contracts on behalf of the University.
• Prepare and advise on other legal instruments and documentation as required to support University operations and governance.

About you

• Admission as a legal practitioner in Western Australia with at least 5 years post admission experience.
• Substantial and extensive experience in the provision of legal services in a private practice or in-house legal environment. Experience in a higher education institution, public service or other public authority an advantage, but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, advise on, negotiate and draft complex commercial agreements in a broad range of areas relevant to the University.
• Substantial experience in taking instructions from and providing advice to large organisations and a variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of statutes and the processes of government and government agencies that relate to the University, e.g. Office of the Auditor General, Ombudsman WA, Corruption and Crime Commission and Office of the Information Commissioners an advantage but not required.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A current National Police Clearance and a current unrestricted practicing certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (WA) will be required by the successful applicant.

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 22 February 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at [e-mail] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.

Advertised: 06 Feb 2026 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 22 Feb 2026 W. Australia Standard Time

We will email you new jobs that match this search.

Great, we can send you jobs like this, if this is your first time signing up, please check your inbox to confirm your subscription.