Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Are you a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys variety, solving complex problems and working with people to achieve practical outcomes?

Join our Governance Services team and bring your legal expertise to an organisation where your advice will help shape decisions, manage risk and support meaningful outcomes across the University.

Reporting to the Senior University Lawyer, you will work across a diverse portfolio of legal matters, from commercial contracts and intellectual property to regulatory compliance, disputes and litigation. You'll partner with stakeholders across the University, providing clear, pragmatic advice that balances legal obligations with operational and strategic priorities.

This is an opportunity to broaden your in-house legal experience, take ownership of engaging and challenging matters and contribute to a team-oriented team where your expertise and judgement are valued.

You will make an impact by:

- Providing independent, commercially focused legal advice on complex matters, helping leaders make informed and confident decisions.
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including research, intellectual property, technology, procurement and property contracts.
- Managing legal matters including disputes, litigation, investigations and regulatory issues, engaging external advisers where required.
- Translating complex legislation and regulatory requirements into practical advice, guidance and solutions that support the University's objectives.
- Building trusted relationships across the University and contributing to smarter, more efficient legal processes and practices.

What you will bring

You're a capable,



solutions-focused lawyer who combines strong technical expertise with sound commercial judgement. You enjoy working across different legal disciplines, can manage competing priorities independently and know how to make complex legal issues understandable to others.

You bring a collaborative, approachable style and the confidence to provide considered advice, challenge thinking constructively and find a way forward.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

- A degree in law, substantial relevant post-admission experience and a current NSW
- Practising Certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
- Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, with excellent attention to detail and legal research skills.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide clear, practical, risk-based advice.
- Experience managing legal matters, including disputes, litigation or investigations, and the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships and explain legal concepts to non-legal audiences.

Experience working in an in-house legal team, government, local council or another highly regulated environment would be highly regarded. Experience within the higher education sector is an advantage, but not essential.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who brings curiosity, sound judgement and a genuine willingness to contribute to the team.

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW,



we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your chance is:

- Full-time, continuing (permanent)
- Preferably based at our Lismore campus, NSW 2480 with Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, or the Gold Coast, QLD 4225 considered. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
- HEW Level 8. The base salary ranges from $124,379 - $137,149 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $160,464.33.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Applications close 11.30pm 30 November, AEST.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter. The cover letter must clearly address each selection criterion in the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to [email protected].

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📌 University Lawyer (Lismore)
🏢 Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore