10794 Senior Legal Counsel
Work Type: Permanent Fulltime
Directorate: Corporate Services
Remuneration: Stream A level 8 - $122, $135, superannuation
Shape the legal future of a progressive region.
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.
* Enjoy a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth.
If you're passionate about law and want to contribute to shaping the future of the Central Highlands, apply now and take your career to the next level.
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:
1. A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position and addressing the key selection criteria
2. 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 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.
Applications close: 8am, Wednesday 7 January 2026.