In-House Legal Counsel
Overview
We are seeking a commercially focused Legal Counsel (2–3 years PQE) to join our in-house legal team in Australia, reporting to the Group Head of Legal & Compliance based in the UK.
This is a hands-on role supporting our digital services operations for utilities clients across Australia and New Zealand. You will act as a trusted business partner, providing pragmatic legal advice across commercial, corporate, regulatory, and strategic matters while working closely with senior stakeholders.
The role offers broad in-house exposure across multiple jurisdictions and the opportunity to develop professionally within a dynamic international environment, with mentorship from the Group Legal team in the UK.
The Role
The Corporate/Commercial Lawyer plays a key role in providing pragmatic, business‑focused legal support across the organisation’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. This role is responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements while balancing legal risk with commercial objectives. Working closely with operational teams, the lawyer provides practical guidance on contractual, regulatory, governance, and compliance matters, ensuring the business operates within established legal and corporate frameworks.
The role also contributes to broader corporate initiatives, including monitoring legislative developments, supporting corporate governance and restructuring activities, and assisting in M&A transactions through due diligence, documentation, and post‑completion integration. Additionally, the lawyer provides advice on intellectual property protections, manages interactions with external counsel when needed, and supports internal policy development. Regular collaboration with the Group Head of Legal and ongoing engagement with the wider UK-based Group Legal Team form an important part of this position.
This role is well-suited for a commercially minded lawyer with 2–3 years PQE, strong contract drafting skills, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate fast‑paced and dynamic business environments while delivering clear, practical legal advice.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities for the role include:
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer, supplier and service contracts.
- Provide practical, business-focused legal advice to operational teams across Australia and New Zealand.
- Support the business in balancing legal risk with commercial objectives within established governance frameworks.
- Monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments, advising the business on potential impacts and compliance requirements.
- Assist with corporate governance matters, including corporate housekeeping and group restructuring activities.
- Support M&A activities, including due diligence, transaction documentation and post-completion integration.
- Provide guidance on intellectual property matters, including contractual IP protections.
- Contribute to internal compliance frameworks and policies.
- Liaise with external legal advisers where required.
- Support the Group Head of Legal on strategic legal initiatives and projects.
- Maintain regular engagement with the Group Legal Team in the UK.
Skills & Experience
- 2–3 years PQE in corporate/commercial law
- Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
- Strong commercial judgement and ability to advise business stakeholders
- Exposure to data protection and M&A is desirable
- Understanding of IP concepts and contractual protections
- Strong communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
