Senior Lawyer, Labour and Workplace Relations Law

Full time continuing opportunity for a Senior Lawyer to join the University’s Office of General Counsel (OGC)

Provide expert legal advice in the areas of employment, workplace relations and WHS law

Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

We are in a period of exciting development within the OGC, striving to deliver expert and professional advisory services in support of the University’s strategic and operational objectives . As a result, we are seeking a Senior Lawyer in OGC’s Labour and Workplace Relations Law team. Under the direction of the Director, Labour and Workplace Relations Law, you will provide expert legal advice and represent the University in the areas of employment, workplace relations and WHS law.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

provide strategic, timely , commercially-focused legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor, senior executive officers, Human Resource leadership group and other University personnel

lead the provision of legal advice and support on compliance project s

provide expert advice and representation in relation to the resolution of employment disputes and complaints

manage relationships with external counsel and regulators to ensure the provision of high quality, cost effective legal advice

review, draft and negotiate legal documents, to protect and enhance the University’s interests.

About you

qualifications in law and admission to practice in Australia and hold a current practising certificate

10+ years’ post admission legal experien ce with extensive and proven expertise in employment, workplace relations and WHS law

capability working with and interpreting complex industrial instruments, including enterprise agreements and awards

prior experience with implementing workplace compliance and engaging with regulators

experience in knowledge of and familiarity with the higher education sector ( advantageous )

excellent analytical and legal research skills

strong drafting skills, and clear and concise communication skills to convey complex messaging to various audiences

highly developed relationship management skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of tact and professionalism across all levels of diverse internal and external environments

an agile and flexible approach that is able to pivot and contribute to overall program success.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nayomi Siriwardane, Recruitment Operations by email to nayomi.siriwardane@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 09 August 2026 11:59 PM