Deputy General Counsel
Location: Sydney, Melbourne
Contract Type: Permanent
MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest independent law and consulting firms. With a heritage of almost 200 years, we are known for our excellence, and our authentic and enduring relationships with our clients, our people and our communities. Clients seek out MinterEllison to help them solve complex problems every day. We do this by our full-service legal offering and complementary consulting offering.
We offer opportunities to work on industry-leading mandates for top-tier clients, while being part of a high-performing and collaborative team that values excellence, diversity of thought, curiosity, and inclusion. We value our people and empower them to achieve their ambitions - with the support, trust and autonomy to grow their careers in meaningful ways.
At MinterEllison, we're leading the way with AI and other emerging technologies, powering innovation right across our firm. You will have the opportunity to engage with AI tools we've built, and other external AI tools, to enhance efficiencies and excellence internally and with our clients.
We support sustainable ways of working regarding how, when and where you work and offer a wide range of social, financial and health benefits (see www.minterellison.com/-/media//Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-2025.ashx)
An exciting rare new senior leadership opportunity within our General Counsel & Risk Office. This is a broad and high-impact role that requires agility across multiple legal domains - corporate, regulatory, employment, and litigation. You’ll work closely with the General Counsel and executive leadership team to provide strategic legal advice and help shape decisions that support the firm’s strategy and priorities.
As Deputy General Counsel, you will:
- Provide strategic legal counsel to firm leadership on legal, regulatory, and reputational risks.
- Lead and mentor an experienced General Counsel Office (GCO) team, fostering a culture of performance and collaboration.
- Oversee compliance, litigation, complaints, and regulatory obligations.
- Drive legal risk management strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Champion the adoption of legal technology and AI tools to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders including the Partnership Board, Executive Leadership Team, and Business Operations Chiefs.
Skills and Experience:
- 15+ years’ post-qualification experience, including 10+ years in senior leadership roles.
- Background in a top-tier law firm or senior in-house legal role.
- Strong technical legal expertise across corporate, regulatory, employment, and litigation
- Proven ability to navigate sensitive issues and present complex legal advice clearly.
- Strong understanding of legal ethics, regulatory frameworks, and law firm operations.
- Proven ability to manage regulatory complaints, AML/CTF compliance, and privacy obligations.
- Commercial acumen and exceptional communication and judgment.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience with AI governance and legal technology is highly desirable.
How to apply
We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
We prefer to connect with people directly, so please submit your CV by clicking on the 'Apply' button. We encourage all applications, including if you do not meet all the criteria listed for the role. Your application will also enable us to consider you for other opportunities that may be available at MinterEllison.
If you are currently a MinterEllison employee, please apply through the internal careers page.
If you would like further information, require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or for a confidential discussion, please contact lisa.fleming@minterellison.com.
Sydney, AU Melbourne, AU