Legal Counsel & Senior Legal Counsel

Come and join the Western Sydney Airport team delivering Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the lynchpin of the extraordinary transformation currently underway to develop Sydney's third city and Aerotropolis.

One of the largest infrastructure projects underway in Australia, Western Sydney International will open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026 and will eventually grow to be one of Australia's biggest gateways to the world.

About the Opportunity

We have two opportunities in our legal team - a Legal Counsel with a minimum 4 years' experience - and a Senior Legal Counsel with a minimum of 8 years' experience (post qualification).

Both positions report to our Deputy Chief Legal Officer and focus on providing high quality and timely legal advice, adding value to and managing risks of the business. Working with substantial independence you'll be part of a highly professional and forward-thinking team.

Your role will be responsible for:

• Taking the lead on preparing advice, contract drafting and correspondence, supporting and often leading negotiations and transactions, developing contract frameworks and associated procurement structures.
• Ensuring compliance and supporting the management of contentious issues to assist with dispute avoidance and litigation, all in connection with multi-faceted, highly complex issues arising across diverse matters.
• Being comfortable with pivoting between a variety of internal clients and matters, while maintaining a detailed focus on and providing outstanding advice and support to each in equal measure.
• Proactively deal with and resolve complex issues with the confidence to propose and test unique solutions in an evolving but highly regulated environment across legal and related areas.
• Assist in the management and procurement of external expert legal advice where appropriate.
• Work closely with Senior and Executive Leadership Teams, WSA staff and other stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively with your fellow Senior Legal Counsel, and in support of the Deputy Chief Legal Officer and Chief Legal Officer, with a view to operating as an efficient, lean, effective, respected and united Legal Team.
• Help to ensure the Company complies with legislation and all contractual requirements.
• Anticipate legal issues and manage risks in accordance with WSA's policies and risk appetite

About You

• For the Legal Counsel position, a minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience in the legal profession, currently admitted to practice as a solicitor in NSW.
• For the Senior Legal Counsel position, a minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience in the legal profession, currently admitted to practice as a solicitor in NSW.
• Core legal experience and familiarity with a substantial number of the following areas of practice: Commonwealth laws applicable to Government Business Enterprises; aviation law - Airports Act and Regulations; corporate law; finance law; contracting; health and safety; environment and heritage; planning; property; competition law - infrastructure; competition and consumer law; intellectual property; confidentiality; privacy; telecommunications; technology; security; employment and industrial relations; administrative law; dispute resolution and litigation.
• A demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, research and provide advice on a broad range of complex legislation, regulation, approvals, case law, and all other forms of legal documents.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in adding value commercially to a business.
• Strategic and commercial acumen supported by sound commercial judgement with well-developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced negotiation skills and ability to work to objectives with the personal sensitivity to manage negotiations across a range of internal and external stakeholders in "high stakes" deals.
• Ability to act with the highest levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality, probity, discretion, accountability and good judgement, in particular by demonstrating respect for the Company and co-workers, for diversity and inclusion
• Ability to be proactive, think through complex issues, apply problem-solving skills to identify solutions, challenge and question the 'status quo'.
• Facilitate the development of innovative and workable performance improvements using data to support decision-making.
• Ability to keep tight deadlines and work under pressure, with excellent record keeping, time-management and project management skills.
• Experience building trusting and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, colleagues, suppliers, and industry networks.

These roles represent a great opportunity to be part of tomorrow's future and to showcase your skills within a dynamic, fast paced and high-performance culture by living WSA's values of Safety, Integrity, Inclusion, Pioneering, Courage and Passion.

There's a great culture and working environment with flexibility (hybrid office/home) in a collaborative team where your input will be valued and rewarded.

How To Apply

Please submit an application via the link or for a confidential enquiry email Chris Davy, Talent Acquisition at WSI. *****@wsaco.com.au

WSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture. By joining us you will be part of an organisation that supports community, charities and environmental initiatives. We encourage residents of Western Sydney, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people from all backgrounds to apply. https://westernsydney.com.au/