Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst – Bendigo VICLegal CounselMake an impact beyond billables.Looking for a legal role with real purpose, variety and influence?
The Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst is seeking a motivated and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our Chancery leadership team supporting parishes, agencies and Catholic entities across regional Victoria.This is a rare opportunity to step into an in-house role where you'll work directly with senior decision-makers, build trusted relationships and handle genuinely varied legal work — without the burnout culture, endless timesheets or narrow practice focus of traditional private practice.If you're a lawyer early in your in-house journey or ready to move from private practice into something more meaningful, this role offers autonomy, breadth and purpose in equal measure.Why This Role Stands OutBroad, compelling and meaningful legal workDirect access to senior leadership and decision-makersGenuine work-life balance and flexibilityOpportunity to shape processes and influence outcomesValues-driven organisation with strong community impactSupportive and collaborative team cultureRegional lifestyle without sacrificing career growthWhat You'll Be DoingYou'll partner closely with the Executive Director and provide legal support across the Diocese, parishes and related Catholic entities.Your work will include:Providing practical and strategic legal adviceReviewing and drafting contracts and agreementsAdvising on governance,



risk and compliance mattersManaging disputes and sensitive matters with professionalismWorking with external law firms where specialist advice is neededSupporting employment, property, operational and organisational mattersBuilding strong relationships with clergy, parish leadership and stakeholdersNo two days are the same — this is a genuinely diverse in-house role with visibility across the organisation.About YouYou're someone who combines strong legal capability with emotional intelligence and sound judgement.You will ideally bring:Admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner with a current Victorian practising certificateAround 3+ years' post-admission experienceExperience across a mix of legal practice areasStrong communication and stakeholder engagement skillsConfidence managing sensitive and confidential mattersA practical, solutions-focused mindsetThe ability to build trust with a broad range of peopleInterest in working within a values-based organisationIn-house experience is welcome but not essentialAbout UsThe Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst supports communities, parishes and ministries throughout regional Victoria through mission, pastoral, administrative and operational leadership.We are committed to creating a child safe and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.RequirementsThe successful applicant will require:Current practising certificateDriver's licenceNational Police CheckWorking with Children CheckValid Australian working rightsWhile this is ideally a full-time role, we're open to considering a flexible arrangement for the right person.
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📌 Legal Counsel (Victoria)
🏢 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
📍 Victoria