Senior Legal Counsel

One of Australia’s leading Charities

Snr Legal Counsel

Meaningful and mission focused work

Sydney - Inner West location

Synergy Search is proud to partner with one of Australia’s leading charitable organisations as they fill a critical role in their small and close knit legal team.

If you are looking for a rewarding legal role in a leading charity, where you can apply your skills for the benefit of society then this could be a great opportunity for you.

The legal team sits alongside the Finance, Property, Procurement, ICT and Governance Risk and Audit teams to support the ongoing day to day operations and projects of the Charity

Our client is looking for a lawyer with at least 7 years practicing experience in at least two of the following areas of law;

Corporate and Commercial, Privacy, Litigation, Employment, Property, Redress claims, or Wills and Estates

Your experience could come from private practice or the charitable sector

Working pattern - Preference for full time, but open to part time, 3 days in the office 2 from home

Salary package up to - base $171,600 plus super ( $192,192) plus salary sacrifice up to ($15,900)

To encourage people to work for charities, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) allows eligible staff to receive an additional part of their salary tax-free. This amount is on top of your usual tax-free threshold (so you pay less tax)

Salary sacrifice of up to $15,900 in approved household expenses, such as rent, mortgage, credit card payments and school fees annually. This means you get to spend $15,900 tax free

Accountabilities

The Senior Legal Officer will:

  • Provide legal advice and services, including legal document and contract drafting, to all areas of the business.

  • Ensure all legal matters, including complaints, are managed efficiently and effectively.

  • Assist with the referral of requests for external legal providers including fostering relationships with pro bono legal providers.

  • Conduct legal research and provide legal training to all areas of the business including staff, members and volunteers.

  • Contribute to the implementation of effective risk management procedures to achieve and maintain legislative compliance.

  • Draft and present papers at Board Meetings, Board Committee Meetings and Executive Leadership meetings.

Role-specific criteria

  • Relevant tertiary qualification(s) in law with, preferably, at least 7 years of experience.

  • Law Society of NSW Practising Certificate, or eligibility to apply/renew.

  • Expertise in commercial contract negotiation and drafting and the provision of commercial legal advice.

  • Experience providing commercial or in-house counsel services in the not-for-profit, corporate or public sector.

  • Expertise in at least two of the following areas of law: corporate and commercial, privacy, litigation, employment, property, Redress claims, wills and estates.

  • A high-level understanding of the governance context of charities, including the compliance obligations of a company limited by guarantee.

  • Demonstrated capacity to provide legal advice to a Board of Directors or similar body.

  • A high-level understanding of the legal and compliance responsibilities of an organisation providing services to children and vulnerable adults.

  • High-level understanding of current issues facing the not-for-profit industry and incorporated not-for-profit organisations.

Chris Meharg