Cessnock City Council

Principal Lawyer

About the Opportunity

Are you are tired of billable hours and looking for more flexibility in applying your legal knowledge? Maybe you are returning to the workforce, if you answered yes this may be the role for you!

As the Principal Lawyer you will be responsible for managing legal matters, ensuring they align with the Council’s strategic objectives and operational needs, as well as lead Council’s legal services framework, delivering both strategic and operational legal solutions to support the business. You will provide high-level, timely, and solution-focused legal advice, ensuring Council’s legal priorities are met efficiently. Additionally, you will manage and instruct an external legal counsel as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

$110,997 - $147,104 per annum plus superannuation 

The Benefits

• Full-time 35 hours per week
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
• 12% superannuation 
• Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members 
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Free parking on-site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley! 

About You

To succeed in this role, you will possess a law degree, a comprehensive background in providing legal advice in local government and/or commercial settings, together with extensive experience in managing complex legal issues. A current practising certificate or the ability to obtain one is required.

What's Next?

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated legal professional ready to make an impact at the local government level.

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. 

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre-Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. 

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Monday 13 January 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Keri Neveldsen, Governance and Council Support Coordinator on (02) 4993 4184

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.