Sydney Water is seeking a committed and experienced Legal Counsel – Commercial and Disputes to join our Legal and Compliance team. This role supports the Head of Legal and Compliance and the Senior Legal Counsel – Principal Manager in providing expert legal advice and services to Sydney Water. 

About the Role 

You will provide expert legal advice and deliver solutions covering a range of legal services assisting with Sydney Water’s business, operations and disputes management. You will advise on all types of commercial agreements, commercial disputes and Sydney Water's rights and obligations under relevant legislation, work with a diverse range of third parties and support the business on a broad range of legal, commercial and operational challenges. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide timely and high-quality legal advice and assistance across all areas of law relevant to Sydney Water.
• Advise on Sydney Water's rights and obligations under relevant legislation. 
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on all types of commercial agreements to protect the interests of Sydney Water. This includes, but is not limited to, agreements of a general corporate or commercial nature and digital agreements.  
• Support the Head of Legal and Compliance, the Senior Legal Counsel – Principal Manager and operational teams with day-to-day commercial and contract law related matters.  
• Advise on early intervention and dispute resolution strategies in complex, sensitive and litigious matters to minimise risk to Sydney Water and maximise outcomes of any dispute including managing litigated matters and recovery claims in collaboration with external legal advisers. 
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective legal service delivery. 
• Contribute to knowledge management by capturing and sharing legal insights and corporate knowledge across the Legal and Compliance team. 

About You

• Tertiary qualification in law is essential.
• Demonstrated legal experience in the relevant area of law. 
• Unrestricted NSW practising certificate (or eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate). 
• 5+ years’ post-admission experience, ideally gained in both private practice and in-house, with training at a mid or top-tier law firm.
• Strong capability in contract drafting, review, negotiations and providing high-quality legal advice.
• Strong capability in dispute resolution and litigation management. 
• Proven ability to identify and assess commercial and legal risks effectively.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound commercial judgment in complex legal matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. 

Closing date: 11.59pm AEST on Friday 9th October

For more information, you can contact TA Partner Connor May at Connor.May@sydneywater.com.au 

Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. 

Please review the job description here 

Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process.  

Dive into Our Great Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.
• Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.
• Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance.
• Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.
• Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

Working at Sydney Water

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce’s Terms and Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.