Georges River Council

Solicitor

About Our Council

Georges River Council is a leading, people-focused organisation with approximately 600 staff members. Our people are working to make the Georges River area an accessible, green, diverse and innovative community and economy. We are dedicated to providing vibrant public places, sustaining and developing a thriving creative culture, helping protect our natural environment, and making our suburbs more liveable.

About the Opportunity

This role sits within our Office of General Counsel – Legal Services, which is responsible for the management of Council’s Legal functions. This includes running matters in the Land & Environment Court, Local Court and other tribunals and jurisdictions. The team also provides training and advice to Council's business units on a variety of legal matters. 

Georges River Council (based in Hurstville) is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Solicitor to join the team and provide high quality legal services to Council as a public authority and statutory body, to ensure the protection of Council’s interests. As the Solicitor you will support the General Counsel in the provision of high-quality legal services in the areas of planning, local government, environmental law and compliance to ensure that Georges River Council acts within the law. 

What we Offer

• Permanent, Full-Time Role - 70 hours per fortnight
• Salary from $115,113.49 to $133,373.50 per annum plus 11.5% superannuation
• 9-day fortnight subject to operational requirements
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Health and Wellbeing Paid Leave
• Fitness Passport Program
• Employee assistance Program
• Salary Packaging Options
• Sponsored Study Program
• Parental Leave and Support
• Ongoing Education and Resources

This is an opportunity for an experienced Solicitor to join the Legal Services / General Counsel business unit. Reporting to the General Counsel, the successful candidate will provide high quality legal services to Council as a public authority and statutory body, to ensure the protection of Council’s interests.

What we are looking for

Qualifications, Certificates & Licences

• Admitted to Practice Law in New South Wales as Barrister or Solicitor
• Holder or eligible to hold a Current Practising Certificate

Essential

• Ability to interpret legislation and draft legal advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to support in advising and communicating with staff on legal issues.
• Persuasive interpersonal skills and the ability to use those skills successfully and tactfully in the conduct of matters.
• An ability to appreciate the political and social context in which Council operates.
• Ability to liaise with third parties including statutory authorities, other lawyers, courts, residents and private corporations.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to appear as an advocate at interlocutory proceedings and to brief counsel.

Desirable

• Minimum 1 year post admission experience as a solicitor
• Experience in planning, environmental, or local government law
• Valid Class C Drivers Licence

If you have made a positive commitment to further your career and you possess the attributes located in the Position Description essential criteria, then please submit your application today.

Applicants are asked to ensure that they provide responses to the targeted questions, failure to do so may result in your application not being considered. Please note that Council will only contact your referees with your permission and if you are the shortlisted applicant.

If you would like further information on this role, please contact James Fan, General Counsel on 02 9330 9453.

Applications must be completed and submitted via our website. Closing Date: Monday 17 March, 2025, at 11.59 PM AEST

Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.

Georges River Council aims to be a leading, people-focused organisation delivering outstanding results for our community and city. We foster our values of Accountability, Professionalism, Unity and Honesty and take pride in promoting the image of Council in the community.

We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQIA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

At Georges River Council we are committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community. We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people and will uphold our commitment as a child safe organisation.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights (with no Visa restrictions) in Australia to apply for this position.