Your new company
We're partnering with a leading defence organisation to recruit a Senior Legal Counsel for its growing legal team supporting Australia's sovereign submarine build. This is a front-end commercial legal role tied to Australia's future submarine capability under AUKUS — one of the most strategically significant projects underway in the country.
You'll advise on procurement, governance, compliance, regulatory risk, and export control. This role offers autonomy, variety, and national-level impact, with direct access to senior stakeholders and exposure to international legal frameworks.
Your new role
* Lead legal input on high-value contracts – procurement, IP, sponsorships, NDAs, JVs
* Provide advice on governance, risk, compliance and export control (e.g. ITAR)
* Support nuclear regulatory readiness and interface with Defence stakeholders
* Manage legal matters across disputes, employment and incident response
* Mentor junior legal counsel and support internal legal capability uplift
* Deliver legal education and participate in cross-functional legal projects
What you'll need to succeed
You're a confident and commercially grounded legal professional who brings:
* Minimum 4 + years post-admission experience.
* Strong front-end commercial legal experience – drafting, negotiation, stakeholder advice
* Experience in Defence, aerospace, government, infrastructure or other regulated industries is highly desirable.
* The ability to manage matters independently and provide pragmatic advice.
* Australian citizenship and eligibility for NV1 clearance (required).
* A collaborative mindset, sound judgement, and values-led approach.
What you'll get in return
This is not a standard in-house legal role — it's an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia's most critical sovereign defence programs, backed by long-term government support.
* Contribute to a nationally strategic submarine program under AUKUS
* High-stakes legal advisory across government, regulation and international frameworks
* Embedded in a high-trust, senior-facing legal team
* Structured pathway to leadership and exposure to global Defence collaboration
* International travel
* Ideal for interstate candidates looking for strategic work and lifestyle
* Adelaide location
Exceptional benefits:
* 30 days annual leave
* Bonus scheme
* Flexible work options
* Attractive salary
* Long-term career development & technical training
What you need to do now
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact, apply now or contact Laura on for a confidential discussion.