Phi Finney McDonald is a litigation law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and London. We specialise in complex and large-scale litigation, with a focus on shareholder class actions.
The firm has a strong commitment to social justice and is looking for people who want to make the world a better place. Our values are reflected in the excellent remuneration and benefits on offer, and our belief in flexible working arrangements. We value diversity and are eager to receive applications from candidates with different backgrounds.
For more information visit http://www.phifinneymcdonald.com/
About the role
This role is offered as an initial 12‑month parental leave contract, with the potential for ongoing employment thereafter.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal Counsel to work alongside our General Counsel to provide expert legal support across our firm.
As our Legal Counsel you will play a crucial role in managing legal affairs, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and mitigating legal risks. You will be responsible for:
- Assisting in drafting, reviewing, managing and negotiating contracts, licences, and other legal documents.
- Preparing and updating internal governance policies, and assisting in managing and maintaining corporate governance records and documentation.
- Contributing in-house legal advice on business contracts.
- Managing the firm undertakings and deeds.
- Providing legal counsel to staff, including but not limited to HR, finance, and operations teams.
- Conducting legal research and analysis on relevant statutes and regulations.
- Assisting in the preparation of legal opinions, and memoranda for internal stakeholders.
- Updating staff on changes in laws and regulations relevant to the business.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will have completed your Bachelor of Laws or equivalent course and be admitted to practice in Australia. You will have previous experience in a legal role, preferably in a corporate environment or a law firm and will possess the following skills:
- Understanding and demonstrated experience in privacy regulations and GDPR.
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills both oral and written
- Understanding of corporate regulatory framework
- Initiative and proactivity
- Demonstrated good judgment when assessing risk
- Ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively
- Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and legal research databases
We are always interested to hear from natural problem solvers with the discipline to perform at the highest standard in a dynamic, collaborative, and fun environment.
Culture
We believe that most people aren’t perfect at everything, but that we can all be great at something. We recruit based on work ethic, individual potential, and cultural fit.
We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and aim to develop individually and as a team. We build dynamic, diverse and balanced teams with the right mix of skills and experience to deliver result.
We give responsibility to all staff members and support them as they learn through experience. And as they develop, we encourage our staff to engage with their work and to reflect on how lessons learnt can be applied in different and emerging areas.
We have a firm commitment to flexible working arrangements, particularly those with parental or carer responsibilities and those seeking to transition back to full-time work.
Benefits
Your contribution to the firm will be recognised with excellent remuneration, training and development opportunities, and a range of incentives, such as:
- Flexible work arrangements (hybrid)
- Work life balance
- Access to quality leadership and coaching
- An innovative environment where your ideas will be heard and supported
- Up to 8 days of paid additional leave for Christmas / New Year shut down
- Firm bonus scheme
- Regular social events including firm lunches
- A fun work environment
How to apply
If this looks like the job for you, please apply now by submitting your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability.
