• Lead complex legal matters at one of Australia’s top 100 global universities.
• Provide strategic legal advice across governance, contracts, research, IP, and compliance.
• Full-time, ongoing appointment.
• Base salary range: $153,165 – $159,132 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area
The Legal Directorate is part of UWA’s Office of the Vice-Chancellery, providing expert legal guidance across all areas of University operations. The team supports the University with legal insight on governance, compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and institutional risk, ensuring alignment with UWA’s regulatory obligations and strategic priorities.

About the opportunity

• Provide timely, high-quality legal advice to the Executive group, to senior leaders, to schools, and to business units.
• Draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts across education, research, intellectual property, real property, procurement, global arrangements and other areas.
• Lead strategic initiatives, manage external legal providers, and contribute to policy, training, and compliance across the University.

About you

• Admitted legal practitioner in WA with significant post-admission experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Proven ability to advise diverse stakeholders and manage sensitive, high-impact legal matters.
• Excellent judgement, analytical skills, and a collaborative approach.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the higher education or public sector is desirable.

Special Requirements

• Appointment is subject to successful completion of all background checks, including criminal history, financial probity, and directorships.

Position description:  Senior Legal Counsel (520949).docx

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Paul Shanahan, General Counsel, at paul.shanahan@uwa.edu.au. 

How to apply
Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 10 August 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have questions, contact the person listed in the ad or email people@uwa.edu.au with the 6-digit job reference number.