City of Ryde Council

Senior Solicitor

• Leverage your expert legal skills in an exciting local government environment
• Leaseback Vehicle with position
• Enjoy flexible work conditions with a rostered day off every three weeks

About Us

City of Ryde, just 12 kilometres from Sydney CBD, is a place of unique lifestyle and opportunity. It is home to an engaged and culturally diverse community of around 130,000 people, and a strong and growing Smart City economy including more than 13,000 local businesses, Macquarie Park, world-class hospitals, and a leading university. All balanced with beautiful bushland, riverfront parks, open spaces, and sport facilities.

Our council delivers a broad range of services, projects, programs, and events. We are actively committed to innovation, sustainability, resilience and providing exceptional customer experiences, and this relies on attracting and keeping great people. We offer a range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements, health and wellbeing programs, a learning and development program including study support, and a reward and recognition program.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Solicitor to join the City of Ryde's Legal Services team, reporting to the General Counsel.

You will be responsible for providing high level value-added legal advice, strategies and solutions to the City Ryde including but not limited to reviewing and preparing complex legal documentation, providing written advices, implementing training for staff as to legal issues, managing all aspects of assigned legal matters and working with the General Counsel to develop and implement procedures and guidelines in order to ensure the best value delivery of legal services to the City of Ryde.

The success is your ability to effectively interpret legislation and policy affecting local government and advocating on behalf of the City of Ryde in legal proceedings with the minimal need to brief counsel. 

About you

Your application should clearly demonstrate that you are an accomplished Senior Solicitor with advanced communication skills and a commitment to high standards of performance. 

In addition, you will have:

• Substantial experience advocating on behalf of an organisation in legal proceedings with minimal need to brief counsel.
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW and hold a current NSW solicitors practising certificate.
• Extensive experience as a Solicitor in Local Government, the public sector or a large diverse organisation
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret legislation and policy affecting local government including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993 and environmental planning instruments.
• Demonstrated ability at negotiating and drafting commercial agreements and providing effective legal strategies and advice to stakeholders.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to participate and lead in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Class C NSW Driver's Licence.

Your commencing annual salary will range from $135,766.98 to $176,497.07+ Superannuation + Leaseback Vehicle, dependent on your experience and qualifications.

Culture & Benefits

• To and From work vehicle/ Leaseback Vehicle
• Commitment to providing opportunities for work/life balance
• Free shuttle bus between the North Ryde Office and North Ryde Metro Station
• Hybrid work from home and office arrangements available for eligible positions
• Flexibility regarding star and finish times to suit your lifestyle
• Work 37.5 hours and enjoy a rostered day off approx. every 3 weeks
• Long service leave after 5 years, then accrued monthly 
• 18 weeks paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
• 3 extra grant days at Christmas to ensure you have time to enjoy the holiday 
• Annual performance reviews and Award increases
• Opportunity to sign up as a fitness passport member
• Various health & well-being initiatives (i.e. flu vaccinations, etc.)

The City of Ryde offers all staff a professional working environment, on-going training and development and conditions that include an optional RDO every 3rd week. 

How to apply

Please ensure you give full answers to the online application questions, showcasing your abilities and experience. Your answers, in conjunction with your resume, will determine if you are invited to an interview. 

Please note you do not need a “password” to use our on-line application system, however you have the option save and return to your application prior to the closing date. In addition to answering the online questions, this position requires you to attach your Resume to complete the application process.  Please note, you are not required to submit a cover letter or a statement addressing selection criteria. 

Closing Date: Sunday 23 February 2025 at 11:30pm

If you would like to know more, please see the position description or contact Paul Kapetas on (02) 9952 8080 for a confidential discussion .

City of Ryde is committed to Equal Employment and Child Safety