Full-time,Fixed Term 12 months
Salary Level HEW9 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements
Based at theMelbourne CBDcampus,and hybrid ways of working
About the role
The Legal Counselrolesitsin theRMITLegal Services Groupandis a service-focused, first point of contact forstaff needing access tolegal services on behalf of RMIT,whichsupports theGeneral Counsel andSenior Legal Counsel – Employment and Dispute Resolution, in the Legal Services Group,to deliver high quality legal advice to clients within RMIT in a timely and customer-focused manner.
The roleis responsible forprovidinglegal adviceto internal RMIT stakeholdersonlitigation, investigations, claims and subpoenas andlegaldisputes,in the areas of employment and education.The successful candidate in this role will support the RMIT legal team in delivering high quality, consistent advice that aligns withRMIT's legal obligations, organisationalvaluesandstrategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Provide a service-focused, proactive point of contact for internal clients and external parties across thePeople Portfolio (encompassing employee dispute resolution and workplace relations advice)and the Academic Registrar’s Group (regarding resolution of student disputesand providing advice on student conduct issues)(collectively known as the Supported Portfolios)
Provide legal and strategic advice and support to the Supported Portfolios by advising onstudent and staff dispute matters, including negotiation,mediationand resolution, as well as managing court and tribunal proceedings, including the instruction of external law firms or counsel,whereappropriate
Develop andmaintaina productive and positive working relationship with key portfoliostakeholders and their teams.
Develop and deliver business-focused training programs to the Supported Portfolios on relevant and contemporary legal subjects including as required by the General Counseland the Senior Legal Counsel – Employment and Dispute Resolution.
Maintain and enhance a suite of template documents for use within and by the Supported Portfolios.
Manage the use of external legal advice as required by theGeneral Counseland the Senior Legal Counsel – Employment and Dispute Resolution.
Create regular updates relating to legal matters relevant to the Supported Portfolios for publication through Legal Services Group communication channels.
Comply withall RMIT policies and procedures.
About You
To be successful in this position,you’llhavesubstantial experience working as a lawyerinworkplace relations law (employment,occupational health andsafety,and discrimination)as well asadministrative law.
Previouslegalin-houseexperience inhigher education,governmentor corporateenvironment,is highly desirable.
Influence and stakeholder management, includingdemonstratedability toleadRMIT's response tocomplexlegal disputes,bypresenting legal and strategic advice todiverse audiences.
Demonstrated experience in deliveringsolutions focusedandpracticallegal advice with sound judgment, attention to detail and the ability toanticipatechallenges and innovate solutions
Proven ability tocommunicate effectivelyin a complex operating environment, ensuring legal advice is objective,independent,and clearly informsgooddecision-making.
Excellent interpersonal and time management skills.
Demonstrated ability to work autonomously within a fast-moving team environment.
Musthold a currentpracticingcertificate asanAustralian lawyer under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
About theGroup
The Legal Services Groupis responsible forthe full range of legal services to all areas of the University. The Legal Services Group is committed toproviding high quality legal services that are aligned with, and responsive to, the commercial needs of RMITA high levelof customer serviceisrequiredwhich means getting to know the different areas ofbusinesses we service and tailoring advice to meet their needs toassistRMIT to achieve its strategicobjectives We do thisby working collaboratively with ourUniversity colleagues anddeveloping andmaintainingrelationships with subject matter experts within and outside of RMIT to ensureappropriate additionalexpertiseis available whenrequired
To Apply
Pleasesubmityour CVand coveringletteraddressing the key selection criteriaforthis position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page
For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contactBianca Jenkinsvia email bianca.jenkins@rmit.edu.au
Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements
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25 July 2026 11.59 pm
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
