Special Counsel (In‑House) Location: Brisbane (hybrid working available)
About the organisation This is a large, purpose‑driven organisation operating across Queensland and the Northern Territory, delivering essential services that positively impact hundreds of thousands of people each year. With a long history and a strong values base, the organisation is known for its commitment to community, integrity and long‑term sustainability. The corporate environment is professional, collaborative and focused on enabling frontline services to deliver meaningful outcomes. This organisation genuinely values its people, supports flexibility, and recognises the importance of balance alongside high performance.
About the role This newly created in‑house Special Counsel role sits within the Workforce Strategy function and is the senior legal authority for complex and high‑risk workforce relations matters. Reporting at a senior level, you will be a trusted advisor to executive leadership, with regular exposure to the CEO and interaction with the Board on material workforce, industrial and risk matters. The role combines hands‑on legal work with strategic leadership, influence and governance. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced employment and industrial relations lawyer seeking an in‑house role with genuine impact, strong executive relationships and a sustainable workload. You will be a senior employment and industrial relations lawyer who is comfortable operating at the highest levels of an organisation and influencing decision‑making with confidence and pragmatism.
Key responsibilities
Lead and manage the organisation’s most complex and sensitive employment and industrial relations matters, including those with legal, reputational or strategic risk.
Provide authoritative legal advice on employment law, industrial instruments, workforce change and enterprise agreements.
Shape and influence industrial and workforce relations strategy in partnership with senior executives.
Represent the organisation in high‑stakes matters before tribunals and commissions where required.
Engage and manage external legal advisers strategically and cost‑effectively.
Provide professional leadership, mentoring and oversight to junior workforce relations legal resources.
Contribute to executive and Board‑level reporting, governance and organisational risk management.
Build strong, trusted relationships across People & Culture, the executive group and operational leaders.
You will bring
Admission as an Australian legal practitioner with a current practising certificate.
Extensive post‑admission experience in employment and industrial relations law.
Demonstrated experience advising executives on complex, high‑risk workforce matters.
Strong judgment, discretion and the ability to balance legal risk with commercial and people outcomes.
Experience mentoring or leading other legal or employee relations professionals.
The credibility and communication style to engage effectively with the CEO, executive leaders and Board members.
Experience within large, complex, regulated, health or community service environments will be highly regarded.
Why this role
Genuine work–life balance in a senior legal role.
Meaningful access to the CEO and exposure to Board‑level matters.
A chance to shape workforce strategy and practice at an enterprise level.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
Purpose‑driven work with real community impact.
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