Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

Location: Melbourne

Employment type: Permanent Full Time

Salary: $185,740 plus 12% superannuation and salary packaging

Make a difference where it matters most

At Housing Choices Australia, we believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable home. We are a leading not-for-profit housing provider committed to building inclusive and thriving communities. Our Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024–29) prioritises people and aims to deliver social impact, sustainable growth, and empowered teams.

Join us in building a better future, one home at a time.

Why you will love working with us

Join a passionate, purpose-driven team where your work creates lasting impact, and your wellbeing, growth, and individuality are genuinely valued.

• Purposeful impact – make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by supporting inclusive, safe, and affordable housing.
• Growth and development – enhance your skills and advance your career through tailored learning opportunities.
• Balance that works – enjoy 5 weeks annual leave and flexible working arrangements suited to your lifestyle.
• Valuable benefits – increase your income through salary packaging, salary continuance insurance, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Supportive culture – be recognised and celebrated in an inclusive, values-driven workplace.

About the role

You will provide trusted, expert legal advice across the Housing Choices Australia group, with a primary focus on commercial and civil litigation, alongside corporate, regulatory and selected property matters. Reporting to the Director of Legal, you’ll work closely with senior leaders, the Board and external advisers to manage risk, resolve disputes and support strategic initiatives.

This role is ideal for a senior lawyer who thrives in a complex, values-driven environment, enjoys partnering with the business, and is confident managing litigation while contributing to broader corporate and governance outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing commercial and civil litigation matters, from strategy through to resolution
• Providing legal advice across corporate, commercial, regulatory and selected property matters
• Briefing executives and the Board on litigation risks, outcomes and material legal issues
• Instructing and managing external counsel to ensure timely, high-quality and cost-effective outcomes
• Supporting governance, compliance and regulatory engagement across the organisation
• Contributing to best-practice legal frameworks, policies and continuous improvement initiatives

Click here to view the Position Description

About the team

The Legal & Governance group ensures robust governance, compliance, and legal management, underpinning Housing Choices Australia’s commitment to integrity and accountability. The team proactively manages risk, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance to sustain operational excellence and ethical standards. This function is integral to maintaining trust with stakeholders and ensuring that the organisation’s strategic and operational decisions align with legal obligations and best practices.

About you

You are a confident, pragmatic and collaborative legal professional who brings sound judgement and a people-first mindset to complex legal issues.

You will bring:

• At least 6 years’ post-admission experience with a strong background in litigation
• Experience across corporate and/or general commercial law
• Ability to manage complex matters in a regulated environment with competing priorities
• Strong drafting, negotiation and advisory skills
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, boards and external regulators
• A genuine interest in contributing to the not-for-profit or community sector

Experience with property or residential tenancy matters is highly regarded but not essential.

You must agree to undergo any required employment screening, including but not limited to a National Criminal History or Police Check, Working with Children or Vulnerable Persons Check, and NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Housing Choices Australia is a child safe organisation. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people and have zero tolerance for child harm. All employees are expected to uphold our Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct to ensure a safe environment for children.

Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value unique experiences and perspectives.

Our values in action

Everything we do is guided by our shared values:

• Putting people first – we listen, respect, and respond to our communities.
• Working together – collaboration helps us achieve better outcomes.
• Doing the right thing – we act with integrity and accountability.
• Acting boldly – we innovate to address current housing challenges.

We are committed to a strategy that supports tenant wellbeing, organisational growth, environmental responsibility, and workforce empowerment.

Belong at Housing Choices

We are an inclusive and values-led employer, proudly welcoming people of all identities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience of housing insecurity.

We support inclusive hiring practices. Please let us know your pronouns or if you require any adjustments during the application process, as we are here to assist you.

How to apply

Apply now!  Applications close: 15 January 2026 unless a suitable candidate is identified earlier.

For further information, please contact Chelsea Isaacson, People & Culture Business Partner at careers@hcau.org.au.

If you do not meet every requirement, please still apply, as we value potential and diverse experiences as much as a perfect CV.

Disclaimer: To the best of Housing Choices Australia’s knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication.

Agencies, thank you for thinking of us, but our recruitment is managed internally, and we will reach out to our preferred suppliers if we need assistance