u&u; Recruitment Partners are proud to be partnering exclusively with the City of Melbourne in the search for a new Chief Legal Counsel.
About the City of Melbourne:
Spanning approximately 37 square kilometres, the City of Melbourne is the local government authority responsible for governing Melbourne's central municipality. As one of Australia's most prominent and leading councils, it oversees Melbourne's vibrant CBD as well as a number of surrounding inner-city suburbs.
The City of Melbourne plays a pivotal role in supporting one of the world's most liveable cities, delivering services, driving economic growth, shaping urban development and fostering a thriving, inclusive and sustainable community.
Through its strategic leadership and stewardship, the organisation helps create a city that attracts residents, businesses, students and visitors from across the globe.
As Chief Legal Counsel, you will have the unique prospect to contribute to this vision while providing expert legal guidance on matters of significant public interest and importance.
The organisation delivers a broad range of public services and city-shaping initiatives, including:
Urban planning and development;
Roads, parks and public spaces;
Libraries and community facilities;
Arts, culture and major events;
Waste and recycling;
Economic development;
Business support;
Building control and municipal regulation;
Public health functions; and
City activation and tourism.
u&u; Recruitment Partners are proud to be partnering exclusively with the City of Melbourne in the search for a new Chief Legal Counsel.
About the City of Melbourne:
Spanning approximately 37 square kilometres, the City of Melbourne is the local government authority responsible for governing Melbourne's central municipality. As one of Australia's most prominent and leading councils, it oversees Melbourne's vibrant CBD as well as a number of surrounding inner-city suburbs.
The City of Melbourne plays a pivotal role in supporting one of the world's most liveable cities, delivering services,



driving economic growth, shaping urban development and fostering a thriving, inclusive and sustainable community.
Through its strategic leadership and stewardship, the organisation helps create a city that attracts residents, businesses, students and visitors from across the globe.
As Chief Legal Counsel, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to this vision while providing expert legal guidance on matters of significant public interest and importance.
The organisation delivers a broad range of public services and city-shaping initiatives, including:
Urban planning and development;
Roads, parks and public spaces;
Libraries and community facilities;
Arts, culture and major events;
Waste and recycling;
Environmental sustainability;
Economic development;
Business support;
Building control and municipal regulation;
Public health functions; and
City activation and tourism.
Additionally, Council partners closely with the Victorian Government on major infrastructure and precinct developments.
About the role:
As an integral member of the Executive Services Division, the Chief Legal Counsel is the organisation's principal legal authority, responsible for setting and leading enterprise-wide strategy;
Working as a trusted and independent adviser to the CEO, ELT, Lord Mayor and Councillors, the role is charged with safeguarding the legal, regulatory and reputational integrity of the Council; and
Reporting directly to, and working closely alongside, the Director Governance and Legal this role will ensure the Council's activities are legally sound, strategically aligned and consistent with legislation,



governance standards and community expectations.
Key responsibilities:
Establish legal strategy and oversee legal governance frameworks;
Manage significant litigation and contractual matters and support major infrastructure and city-shaping projects;
Represent the organisation in dealings with regulators, government agencies and external stakeholders;
Establish and continuously improve legal governance frameworks, policies and standards;
Shape organisational policy positions by integrating legal, regulatory and public interest considerations;
Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, regulatory frameworks and model litigant principles;
Positively influence decisions involving significant contractual arrangements, financial exposure and long-term liabilities;
Represent Council in external forums including with regulators, government agencies and sector bodies;
Exercise decision-making authority to align the legal function to the Council's values and strategy;
Lead, motivate and manage a high-performing team to ensure legal considerations are embedded into strategic decision-making across the organisation; and
Balance risk, enable innovation and oversee major capital works program.
You will bring:
10+ years' legal experience in governance, public law, regulatory, commercial or infrastructure matters;
Proven General Counsel or Head of Legal experience managing a team in a similar government environment;
A demonstrated ability to influence at Board and executive level, navigate complex stakeholder environments and deliver commercially pragmatic legal advice within a large, multifaceted and complex organisation;
The ability to confidently lead constructive and robust discussions with senior stakeholders, providing informed challenge and respectful pushback when required; and
Experience within government, statutory authorities or other highly regulated environments will be highly regarded.
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📌 Chief Legal Counsel (Melbourne)
🏢 u&u. Recruitment Partners
📍 Melbourne