Shape legal outcomes that support your community.
* Workplace flexibility including hybrid working arrangements, and 9-day fortnight
* Provide trusted legal advice across a broad range of Council matters
* Work closely with senior leaders and contribute to key organisational decisions
LET'S EXPLORE THE JOB
At Lake Macquarie City Council, our Legal team plays a critical role in enabling the organisation to deliver services that matter to the community.
As an Associate Legal Counsel, you will work across a diverse portfolio of legal matters, supporting Council's operations while developing your expertise in a dynamic in‐house environment. You'll also play a key role in guiding Paralegal staff and contributing to a strong, customer‐focused legal function.
Your key focus areas are:
* Managing a broad range of legal matters under supervision
* Providing clear, practical legal advice to senior leaders and staff
* Supporting the effective management of litigation to protect Council's interests
* Drafting legal documents including contracts, deeds and planning agreements
* Representing Council in hearings where required
* Providing guidance and technical support to Paralegal staff
* Contributing to team initiatives and continuous improvement
You're a capable and motivated legal professional with 2-3 years post admission experience who enjoys working across a broad range of matters and taking ownership of your work. You bring sound judgement, strong attention to detail, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast‐paced environment.
You are confident providing clear, practical advice to a variety of stakeholders and are comfortable navigating ambiguity while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes. You take pride in building trusted relationships, while also having the confidence to challenge when needed.
Importantly, you're a team player who is willing to support and guide others, contribute to a positive team culture, and continuously improve how legal services are delivered.
You will bring;
* Current Australian Practising Certificate and at least 2 years post admission experience.
* Experience supporting or guiding Paralegal staff
* Strong judgement, initiative, and ability to manage competing priorities
* Proven ability to work to deadlines in a team environment
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships
* Strong problem‐solving capability and ability to maintain objectivity
* High level digital literacy, including experience with corporate systems
* Experience working with electronic document and records management systems
* Experience briefing external counsel and managing external legal providers
LET'S REVEAL THE PERKS
* Competitive salary from $94,000 – $109,000 plus 12% superannuation
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours
* Work on meaningful legal matters that impact your local community
* A rare opportunity to experience working as part of a high performing in‐house team in a regional location
* Corporate fitness program and discounted gym memberships
* Wellbeing initiatives, flu vaccinations, and Employee Assistance Program
* Active social club and team events
* We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference, right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety. Providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority.
* Work in one of the most picturesque regions of NSW, with the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie right on your doorstep.
* Along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac!
CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY
We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That's why we're passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you're joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We're proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.
LET'S START
* If you would like to make the move to a role where your work has visible impact, we would love to hear from you! Send your application in by midnight, Sunday 26 April 2026
* For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Kiri‐Ana Libbesson, Legal Counsel, on 02 4921 0040 or via email kli‐
* If you require assistance with submitting your application or have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Georgina Green, Talent Attraction Partner, on 02 4921 0495 or via email
* To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.
* Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council's recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.
Lake Macquarie City Council
126-138 Main Road, Speers Point, NSW 2284
Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310
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