Senior Legal Counsel- Global & Commercial

• Employment Type: Full time, permanent role
• Remuneration:  Senior Competitive Total Package
• Location: Kensington, NSW (On- campus role with hybrid working options) 

About UNSW: 
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters: 
This critical role supports UNSW’s strategic initiative to build on our reputation as a world-leading university to expand our transnational education offerings in key regions globally. You will bring substantial experience across contract law and commercial transactions to support the successful delivery outside Australia of award programs and lifelong learning courses that have local relevance and benefit.

As Senior Legal Counsel you will be providing commercially astute and trusted legal support, including working on the establishment and support of cross-border joint ventures and alliances, agreements with international organisations, universities and governments and education services regulation. You will also support general commercial activities of the University.

This role sits within the UNSW Legal & Compliance team, reporting to the Deputy Chief Legal Officer.

Who you are:  Confident in the role as senior legal advisor, you will hold a tertiary qualification in law and ideally have a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience.

• Admission to the Supreme Court of NSW and current practicing certificate. 
• Significant experience in contract law and commercial transactions. Cross border transactional or M&A experience is also highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice and counsel in relation to complex legal issues. 
• Advanced drafting and negotiation skills and proven capacity to think laterally and exercise initiative.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and complex matters proactively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as an ability to build relationships and influence with impact.  
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong business acumen and a demonstrated capability to deliver high level legal support.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the position description found on Jobs@UNSW.

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 29 November 2026 by 11:55pm.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
  
  

Job queries contact: For queries on the recruitment process, please contact Katherine Molloy: katherine.molloy@unsw.edu.au   
Please note applications sent directly to the contacts above cannot be accepted.   

Pre-Employment Checks: As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

 UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.