About the Role
We have a newly created opportunity for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our Office of General Counsel, based in Sydney. This is a substantive in-house role offering the opportunity to advise senior leaders on commercial and compliance matters central to the firm's operations.
Reporting to the General Counsel, you will advise partners and senior stakeholders on a broad range of internal commercial legal matters — including client engagement terms, supplier agreements, and contracting issues — as well as legal profession compliance and conflicts management.
Key responsibilities will include:
Advising partners and senior stakeholders on commercial legal matters and legal profession compliance, including the identification and management of conflicts of interest
Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts such as client engagement terms, supplier agreements, confidentiality agreements, escrow agreements, and reliance letters
Managing conflicts of interest processes, including use of Intapp as required
Proactive management of commercial and compliance risks, providing clear recommendations and practical solutions
Supporting the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies
Ensuring compliance with relevant internal policies, legal profession laws, and regulatory requirements
The role requires a high degree of autonomy, with sound judgement exercised on matters requiring escalation and discretion.
About You
Our ideal candidate will bring:
Minimum 8 years post-qualification experience, including experience in a comparable role within a law firm's in-house or general counsel function
Strong knowledge of Australian contract law, corporate law, and regulatory compliance (including legal profession regulatory frameworks)
Demonstrated familiarity with conflicts management, including proficiency in Intapp or equivalent conflicts management systems
Strong drafting, negotiation, and contract advisory skills across a range of commercial agreements
High professional standards, with a commitment to accuracy, ethical conduct, and discretion in handling sensitive information
Sound critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a practical and commercial focus
Confidence to provide frank advice and navigate differing perspectives across all levels of the firm
Why Join Clayton Utz?
At Clayton Utz, we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a community that values our people and their contributions.
When you join us, you’ll enjoy:
Access to professional development programs and career growth opportunities.
The tools to perform your role to your best ability, with world-class infrastructure and resources to keep your skills sharp and ahead of the curve, including leading AI platform, Harvey.
A focus on health and wellbeing, with initiatives to support your physical and mental health including lifestyle and gym membership discounts via our partnership with AIA Vitality.
A collaborative and inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and fosters belonging.
Up to 26 weeks’ paid parental leave, with flexibility over two years, plus paid superannuation.
The option to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional leave annually.
How to Apply?
We prefer to work directly with candidates, if you are interested in this role, please click the ‘Apply’ button or contact the consultant, details below, for more information. Clayton Utz is an inclusive employer that supports flexible work arrangements, please feel free to discuss your flexibility needs with the recruiter for this role.
Consultant Contact Details
Nicole St John, (02) 9353 4928Accessibility and Inclusion
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. Do you require any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application? If so, please contact the recruiter via the above telephone number or via email to [email protected].
For more information on Clayton Utz, please visit www.claytonutz.com or follow us on LinkedIn here.
Agency submissions
Clayton Utz does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Clayton Utz Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to Clayton Utz partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute as an introduction to the firm and Clayton Utz will not be liable for a fee.
Skills Required
- Minimum 8 years post-qualification experience
- Strong knowledge of Australian contract law and regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with conflicts management and Intapp or equivalent systems
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills
- Commitment to ethical conduct and accuracy in sensitive information
What We Do
We are one of Australia's oldest and largest law firms, with offices in six cities, nearly 200 partners, and a full range of legal services for large private sector and government clients. But we're more interested in talking about you, and with you. It's why, wherever you are, we give you advice that connects with you. Advice that isn't just a one-size-fits-all solution taken off a shelf, but that reflects who you are, and what you need. Advice created by lawyers with different experiences and different views, but united by an entrepreneurial spirit, a can-do attitude, confidence in each other, and pride in helping you achieve. As you might have noticed, we like speaking plainly. While we like thinking creatively to help you, we won't give you an answer hidden by legal jargon, or that doesn't reflect our honest opinion. Our clients value that, and trust us with their most important work. And we work hard to deserve that trust
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