General Counsel jobs

About Cowell Clarke

Cowell Clarke is a fast growing specialist commercial law firm based in Australia. With a team of over 190 professionals across Adelaide and Sydney, we represent clients across various industries both nationally and internationally. Our firm takes pride in fostering a positive culture that empowers our employees to excel.

Founded over 30 years ago, we set out to disrupt the traditional reactive approach of commercial law firms by offering exceptional personal service with a proactive, global perspective. Although we have expanded to build a national presence, our commitment to helping clients seize opportunities and manage risks remains unchanged.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced lawyer to join us as our General Counsel.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will work closely with the CEO, Chair, Board, Directors and leadership team, providing commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of strategic and operational matters affecting the firm.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on corporate governance, legal risk and regulatory compliance.
• Owning and continuing to build out the firm's AML/CTF compliance program.
• Supporting technology, AI and intellectual property initiatives.
• Reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Providing legal support on employment and HR matters.
• Developing internal precedents, policies and legal guidance.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded lawyer seeking a broad, strategic in-house role with direct exposure to firm leadership. A full PD can be provided on request.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will be a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys working across a broad range of legal issues and partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver practical, solutions-focused advice.

You will ideally have:

• Approximately 4–8 years' post-admission experience (although capability and judgement are more important than years of experience).
• Strong experience in corporate/commercial law, with exposure to governance, regulatory compliance or in-house advisory work.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• The ability to identify legal risk, provide pragmatic advice and know when to engage specialist external counsel.
• Excellent judgement, discretion and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to advise senior leaders.
• An interest in technology, AI, intellectual property and emerging regulatory issues.
• A collaborative, proactive and commercially focused approach.

What will we offer you?

Cowell Clarke offers a broad range of financial and social benefits in addition to market leading careers and professional development programs. We're focused on developing our people's careers whilst ensuring they maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Some of our many employee benefits include broad learning & development opportunities, social clubs, sporting & team events, wellbeing and family support, e.g. discounts to gym memberships & private health insurance, paid parental leave and the option to purchase additional leave.

How to apply

Apply online with your CV, academic transcripts and a covering letter.

Whilst we do not accept applications via email, if you have any questions, please contact us at careers@cowellclarke.com.au.