Legal Counsel

Make a meaningful difference with us

UnitingCare is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join our high performance in-house legal team. 

Our legal team advises on a diverse range of matters including commercial, regulatory, insurance, medico-legal, leasing, corporate and governance, property, incidents, disputes, ICT, IP, fundraising, marketing and wills and estates. 

The Legal Counsel provides advice and ensures legal services are aligned with leading legal practice and UnitingCare’s values, vision and strategic objectives.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. 
 

Your part in our UnitingCare team

• Provide legal advice (both written and verbal) and apply legal expertise and knowledge of the law to deliver strategies that minimise risk and maximise value, in compliance with legislation and industry regulations. 
• Assist and/or advise on general legal matters such as contract and commercial work, regulatory matters, investigations, responses to subpoenas, property transactions, leases, and privacy and data matters.
• Negotiation and drafting of contracts, including government funding contracts, procurement contracts including ICT contracts to give the best commercial outcome for the organisation.
• Drafting and amendment of precedents. 
• Apply legal expertise to advise on legal risk and policies.
• Guide internal clients in understanding contractual commitments, participating in dispute resolution/negotiations and provide recommendations for resolution and settlement of disputes.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to business units, Group Executives, project leads and service management teams in relation to contractual, corporate, governance, compliance and legislative issues .
• Undertaking additional legal services as prioritised in accordance with organisational imperatives and the priorities including responding to subpoenas, court orders (including Coronial matters), regulatory notices, notices of non-party disclosure, privacy requests. 
• Prepare, lodge and represent court, Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission and tribunal applications and processes and defend against applications and where necessary, attend any mediation, court or tribunal attendances as required.
• Develop and maintain guidance material to assist in negotiation and to expedite contract drafting with relevant parties including employees, contractors, purchasers/funders, suppliers, partners, sub-contractors and joint venture parties. 
   

What makes a difference for us? 

• At least 5 years post admission experience as a legal practitioner;
• A current unconditional Queensland legal practising certificate, or the ability to acquire one;
• Demonstrated experience in one or more areas of practice including commercial, ICT, property, regulatory (including privacy) and/or insurance, employee relations;
• An understanding of or interest in the health, aged care, disability services and social services sectors;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders at all levels; 
• Exceptional communication skills, and the ability to distil complex ideas into simple actions and next steps; and
• Self-starter who can work in a busy and supportive team environment. 

What makes a difference for you? 

The opportunity to be part of UnitingCare, the second-largest employer in Queensland, that has been leading by example as a proud not-for-profit for more than 100 years. UnitingCare’s legal team supports the entire UnitingCare family (in excess of 20,000 staff and volunteers) across our all our services - BlueCare, Lifeline, Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS), The Wesley Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital, St Stephen’s Hospital, and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital. Our team are compassionate, inclusive and committed to the work we do, helping people live life in all its fullness.

• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance 
• Save tax and increase your take home pay by salary packaging your everyday living expenses and bills (up to $15,900) and meal entertainment (up to $2,650) per annum 
• A positive and inclusive team based on respect, shared standards, strong values and a commitment to serving others 
• Career development opportunities to challenge yourself, grow and make a meaningful difference  
• 12 weeks paid parental leave and 2 weeks paid partner leave, available after 6 months service, in addition to the government scheme 
• Diversity and inclusive leave, offering paid gender affirmation leave and cultural leave options (paid and unpaid) for those who may celebrate Lunar New Year, Diwali, Ramadan, NAIDOC weeks and other significant cultural events 
• A recognition and rewards platform, providing employee discounts at hundreds of retailers, including everyday expenses, holidays, health insurance, annual awards celebration, wellbeing and employee assistance programs 

Diversity & Inclusion  

Our approach is simple – everybody is welcome here.  At UnitingCare, diversity is at the core of our who we are, our mission and our values. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees no matter their sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. Demonstrating our commitment to reconciliation and building long-term employment opportunities for First Nations peoples, UnitingCare strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants for this position.   

Safe workplace  

We work hard to make our services welcoming and safe for every person. We are united in keeping children, young people and the elderly safe from harm, within our services, workplaces and the communities we support. We are committed to speaking up loudly for their safety. 

Vaccination  

All employees are required to comply with statutory and Government requirements and UnitingCare's COVID-19 vaccination requirements policy. The successful applicant must be able to provide a Covid-19 Certificate before commencing employment.