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- Tasks: Lead a talented legal team and provide strategic legal advice to the university.
- Company: Join UWA, a top 100 global university known for innovation and research excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant campus environment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious institution making a real impact in education and research.
- Qualifications: Must have experience as a General Counsel or senior leader in a law firm.
- Other info: This is a 5-year fixed term contract with a closing date of 4th April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia's top university.
Key Responsibilities
- General Counsel - key leadership role - 5 year fixed term contract.
- Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor.
- Provides strategic leadership, high level decision making and leads a talented legal team to ensure best practice in delivery of legal services to the University.
- The General Counsel is a senior leadership position of the Office of the Vice Chancellery and supports the strategic priorities of the University by delivering pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice.
- Key areas of advice include governance, legislative compliance, legal duties, contracts, intellectual property and risk management.
- It is a highly influential role, leading a team which works constructively with senior leaders, schools, business units and other key internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to navigate legal challenges, ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate risk.
Key Attributes and Skills
- Demonstrated track record as a General Counsel or a senior practice leader within a law firm or organisation of comparable complexity, regulatory requirements and scale.
- A strong commercial and strategic legal thinker.
- Track record of successful management of resources, both people and budgets.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and ethical legal practice.
- Excellent planning, organisational and analytical skills.
- Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills as well as high-level consulting and negotiation skills.
- Admitted to legal practice in Western Australia with an unrestricted practising certificate.
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
Closing date: 4pm AWST on 4th April 2025.
Advertised: 14 Mar 2025 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 04 Apr 2025 W. Australia Standard Time
General Counsel employer: University of Western Australia
Contact Detail:
University of Western Australia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in higher education or similar sectors. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges faced by General Counsels in universities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the strategic priorities of The University of Western Australia. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your legal expertise can directly support their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking through case studies or examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead a legal team and navigate complex legal issues. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed resources and mitigated risks in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legal trends and regulatory changes affecting higher education in Australia. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also position you as a proactive candidate who is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in legal practice.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the General Counsel position. Familiarise yourself with the key attributes and skills required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight your relevant experience in legal practice, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your track record in governance, compliance, and risk management, ensuring that your CV aligns with the job description provided by the University of Western Australia.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the university's strategic priorities and how your skills can contribute to them. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your commercial and strategic legal thinking.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. Ensure that your communication is clear and professional, as outstanding written communication skills are essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Western Australia
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a General Counsel, you'll be leading a legal team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams, resources, and budgets. Highlight specific examples where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strong commercial and strategic legal thinker. Prepare to discuss how you've approached complex legal challenges in the past, focusing on your ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that aligns with organisational goals.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills are crucial for this position. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and facilitated collaboration across departments.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Given the emphasis on ethical legal practice, think about scenarios where you've faced ethical dilemmas in your career. Be prepared to discuss how you navigated these situations while maintaining integrity and compliance with legal standards.
