Legal Counsel (People & Conduct)

• Employment Type: Full Time, permanent role (35 hours per week)
• Remuneration: From $138k - $146k + 17% super & leave loading- dependent on level of relevant experience
• Location: Kensington, NSW (On- campus role, hybrid work arrangement)

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.

This role sits within our People & Conduct Law team within the UNSW Legal & Compliance Office, supporting University to navigate legal matters across employment, workplace relations, defamation litigation, discrimination litigation, conduct and integrity, and safety.

Why Your Role Matters:
As Legal Counsel for People & Conduct you will primarily provide trusted legal advice and representation to the University on areas including student conduct and integrity matters, research integrity, sexual misconduct, reports of wrongdoing (PIDs) across our staff and student population. You will also advise the University’s Employment Relations and HR Business Partnering team on staff and employment law compliance matters.

Practiced in managing the risk-related compliance, you will work closely with our HR and Conduct and Integrity Office to review cases and deliver thoughtful and innovation recommendations on both student and staff enquiries/appeals/complaints/investigations, aligning with the University's relevant codes, policies and procedures. Your day to day will include:

• Providing technically sound legal advice aligning to UNSW policies and procedures.
• Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Transformation, Planning & Assurance and the Conduct and Integrity Office in relation to policy and compliance.
• Offering strategic advice on the compliance and policy framework.
• Proactively providing advice and drafting correspondence in respect of regulatory matters and dealings with statutory authorities including the NHMRC, ARC, ARIC, NSW Ombudsman and ICAC.
• Overseeing the University’s timely response to subpoenas and other compulsory processes in the area of People and Conduct.
• Assisting with advice in response to media and other inquiries.
• Conducting training of UNSW staff on legal and compliance matters

This position reports to the Head of People & Conduct Law and has one direct report to support the University in upholding a commitment to safety, compliance and integrity.

Who You Are: We’re seeking a legal professional with a background in administrative law and ideally experience with general employment law, to confidently and autonomously advise stakeholders in resolving potential or actual disputes and effectively minimise the University’s legal risks. You will hold the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in law with 5+ years’ post qualification experience at a law firm and/or in house legal team.
• Admission to the Supreme Court of NSW and a current practising certificate.
• Advanced drafting and negotiation skills and proven capacity to think laterally, exercise initiative, flexibility and to be proactive in respect of legal practice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and interests across complex matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build stakeholder relationships across the University and with external networks & regulators.
• A collegiate and proactive client- centric approach to generate new and innovative approaches to solve complex matters.

For more detailed information on required skills & experience and role responsibilities, please refer to the position description.

Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements. Where possible, we support a hybrid approach with a combination of working from home and on our vibrant campus. It really is the best of both worlds:

• Flexible/hybrid working
• A well-established team of experienced lawyers
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Discounts and entitlements

How to Apply: Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before 11:55pm Sunday 5 May 2024. A copy of the Position Description can be on JOBS@UNSW.

For job queries: Katherine Molloy, Talent Acquisition Consultant: [email protected]
Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

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. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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