The Opportunity

• Work on major projects implementing UNSW’s New Campus Development Plan
• Make a difference in how UNSW contracts and manages risk
• Permanent part-time position (3 days per week /0.6 FTE)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

The Senior Legal Counsel provides expert, risk-based legal advice and strategic support to the University across major capital projects and institutional initiatives including as part of UNSW’s new Campus Development Plan.

Focusing on complex construction matters and supplementary expertise in planning, property, and commercial law, you’ll operate with a high degree of autonomy, partner with senior stakeholders to mitigate legal risk, shape contracts and dispute resolution strategies, and ensure compliance across the project life cycle. The position reports to the Head of Commercial & Real Estate Law and has no direct reports.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS top 20) and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place. 

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Discounts and entitlements  
• Affordable on-campus parking

Who you are

You have at least eight years’ post-qualification experience, strong expertise in complex construction law, and eligibility to practise in NSW. Ideally, you’ll also bring experience in property, planning and environment law, and familiarity with AS and NSW Government construction contracts.

To Apply: If shaping major capital projects that will define the future of UNSW is of interest to you, please submit your CV and Cover Letter addressing the Skills and Experience required (nominated in the Position Description) via the APPLY button. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Pre-Employment Checks 

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.  

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: -   

• National and International Criminal history checks 
• Entitlement to work and ID checks 
• Working With Children Checks  
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration  
• Verification of relevant qualifications 
• Verification of relevant professional membership  
• Employment history and reference checks 
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks. 
• Medical Checks and Assessments 

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW. 

Closing date: 11.55pm, Sunday 8^th March 2026. 

Contact: Shiree Thomas - Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.