10794 Senior Legal Counsel
Job No:
CHR10366
Location:
Emerald
10794 Senior Legal Counsel
Work Type: Permanent Fulltime
Directorate: Corporate Services
Remuneration: Stream A level 8 - $122,064.87 - $135,818.90 + superannuation
Are you a seasoned legal professional ready to take on a strategic leadership role? Central Highlands Regional Council is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide expert advice on complex and sensitive matters, lead high-stakes litigation, and shape legal strategies that safeguard our community’s interests.
About the Role
As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll be the trusted advisor on a broad range of legal issues impacting local government. From negotiating high-value contracts to managing flagship projects and representing Council in court, this role offers diversity, challenge, and the opportunity to make a real impact. You’ll also mentor junior colleagues and collaborate with top-tier external counsel on significant cases.
As the Senior Legal Counsel you will support the organisation by:
- Deliver expert legal advice across areas such as commercial contracting, planning & environment, industrial relations, and administrative law.
- Represent Council in complex litigation and negotiations.
- Draft and review high-value contracts and agreements.
- Lead legal aspects of major projects and strategic initiatives.
- Mentor and develop junior legal practitioners.
- Present advice to Councillors and executive leaders
To be considered for this position;
- Bachelor of Laws
- Admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland
- Current practicing certificate enabling the position holder to engage in legal practice in Queensland (preferably an unrestricted employee practicing certificate)
- Minimum of Queensland C class provisional driver’s licence.
- Extensive experience in complex legal matters, including litigation and contract negotiations.
- Expertise in at least one area of law relevant to local government.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a progressive council committed to sustainability and community investment.
- Work on diverse, high-impact legal matters.
- Collaborate with leading legal professionals and external counsel.
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Enjoy a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth.
Working for Central Highlands Regional Council has its benefits.
We are a progressive region, committed in creating opportunities for all. We welcome forward thinking individuals who are focused on continuous improvement, a sustainable future and understand the valuable role we play in investing in our regional community.
Benefits Include:
- A generous superannuation scheme
- 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
- Fortnightly RDO’s
- Annual uniform allocation
- Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
- Wages paid fortnightly
- Employee Assistance Program
To apply for this position:
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
Please download and review the position description.
To be considered for this position, please include the following documents:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position and addressing the key selection criteria
- Your resume detailing your career history relevant for this position
Applicants who are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a shortlisting process.
Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks
To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a position on a temporary basis, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.
The pre-employment checks relevant to this position include:
- Right to Work in Australia
- Criminal History Check
- Medical Assessment
- Reference and qualification checks
For a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.
Applications close: 8am, Wednesday 7 January 2026.
