Legal Counsel, Scams

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Play a pivotal legal role in one of the most significant regulatory reforms impacting financial services, telecommunications and digital platforms in Australia.

At AFCA, we’re building a new Scams Prevention Framework and with it, a dedicated external dispute resolution scheme that will redefine how scam-related complaints are handled across multiple industries.

This is a rare opportunity for a high-calibre Legal Counsel (2–5 PQE) to work at the intersection of law, regulation and public impact, helping deliver a national framework designed to protect Australians.

Why this role matters

Scams are one of the fastest-growing risks impacting consumers and small businesses. With new legislation now in place, AFCA is expanding its remit to include disputes across banking, telecommunications and digital platfors.

As Legal Counsel, you’ll be embedded in the Scams EDR Program, contributing to the design and implementation of this landmark scheme, combining technical legal depth with real-world impact.

What you’ll be doing

Working closely with the Senior Manager, Legal Counsel (Scams), you will:

• Conduct primary-source legal research across the evolving scams framework, legislation and case law
• Draft high-quality legal advice, briefing papers, submissions and correspondence
• Support legal advice to the Scams EDR Program, decision-makers and broader AFCA teams
• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments, including SPF rules, ASIC guidance and sector reforms
• Assist with Executive and Board-level briefings
• Contribute to training and capability uplift across the organisation
• Identify and escalate emerging legal and regulatory risks
• Support engagement with government, regulators and external stakeholders

What you’ll bring

• 2–5 years PQE in a relevant area (financial services, insurance, telecommunications, digital platforms, administrative or regulatory law)
• Strong experience in legal research and statutory interpretation
• The ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, plain-English advice
• Sound drafting skills across briefings, memos and formal correspondence
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a new regulatory environment
• A collaborative, proactive approach and alignment to AFCA’s values

Experience in a law firm, regulator or industry body will be highly regarded.

The opportunity

This is an initial 18-month contract role offering the chance to:

• Be part of a nation-defining reform initiative
• Develop deep expertise in scams, regulation and dispute resolution
• Build networks across financial services, telco and digital sectors

Ready to make an impact?

If you're looking for a role where your legal expertise contributes to protecting Australians and shaping regulatory change, we’d love to hear from you.

• Silver AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with two days a week in our modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Additional and inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at [email protected].

We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result, our processes may take a little longer, and we thank you for your patience.

About AFCA

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. The original team has grown to over 1600 dedicated professionals. Since 2018, AFCA has received more than 634,000 complaints, helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers. 

AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.