About the role As a Legal Counsel you need to be a lateral thinker, and be willing and able to rapidly switch between different areas of law. You will provide advice and representation to Council staff on the range of legal areas related to Council’s operations. The position is required to ensure the delivery of high quality legal services to the organisation. Essential criteria Admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW Bachelor of Laws Degree Experience in Local Government and Planning Law Experience appearing as an advocate before Courts and Tribunals in planning and local government matters Experience in preparing and reviewing contracts and providing professional advice Ability to meet time constraints and work under pressure Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Desirable criteria Commercial Law experience Property Law experience An awareness and understanding of Local, State and National trends in government that are likely to impact on Council Salary: The salary for this position ranges from $169,899.24 - $191,625.24 per annum, plus 11.5% Superannuation, and will be negotiated commensurate with the skills, qualifications and experience of the preferred applicant. Access to a Leaseback Vehicle or Motor Vehicle Allowance is available with this position; however, it is not a condition of employment. How to Apply You may be required to undertake background checks, as relevant to the position for which you have applied. Visit careers.penrith.city to view the position description and to find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council. To submit your application, please apply online using the link below. Applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (listed above) as a part of their cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered. Completed applications must be received by 11.55pm on the closing date. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application. For further information about the position, please Tim Power, Head of Legal Services, 4732 8168. Related Opportunities - Solicitor Council acknowledges that applicants with skills, qualifications, and experience suited to this position may also be interested in and suited to Council’s role of Solicitor which are advertised here: https://careers.penrith.city/en/listing/ About us At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including: A range of flexible work arrangements 18 weeks paid maternity leave Health and wellbeing leave 15 days personal leave Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education Diverse salary packaging Free access to all Ripples venues And much, much more Legal Services delivers key services within Council through the provision of legal advice, litigation, drafting and reviewing of contracts, and conveyancing. The Legal Services department is also responsible for the enterprise risk management framework, internal audit and insurance claims management in order to ensure Council’s financial and operational controls are carried out in an effective, efficient and ethical manner. Council is a Child Safe Organisation, for more information about this please see our website. Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.