About the Role We’re seeking a Legal Counsel to join our close-knit, collaborative Legal Team on a 7-month fixed-term maternity leave contract (until end December 2026). This is an excellent opportunity for a generalist lawyer looking to broaden their in-house experience while contributing to meaningful social impact work. Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice across a wide range of matters, with a strong emphasis on commercial contract drafting, review, and compliance. You’ll partner closely with internal stakeholders to manage risk, support compliant decision-making, and help the organisation deliver services confidently and effectively. This role is well suited to a lawyer who enjoys variety, autonomy, and working directly with the business in a true in-house advisory capacity. Key responsibilities include: Drafting, reviewing and advising on a broad range of commercial and government-related contracts Providing generalist legal advice across areas such as contract law, governance, compliance, privacy and risk Supporting contract compliance processes, audits and due diligence activities Reviewing and advising on policies and procedures to ensure legislative and contractual compliance Contributing to legal training, legal updates and practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders Working collaboratively with the Legal Team on projects and BAU matters About You You’re a commercially minded lawyer who can balance legal risk with business realities and communicate clearly with non-legal stakeholders. You will bring: 2–3 years’ post-qualification experience as a generalist lawyer (private practice or in-house) Law degree with a current unrestricted NSW practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain) Strong experience in commercial contract drafting and review Ability to manage your own matters with minimal supervision Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a plain-English approach Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities A collaborative, proactive mindset and genuine interest in working in a purpose-led organisation Experience working with government contracts, public sector or regulated environments is desirable but not essential If you’re a capable generalist lawyer seeking a fixed-term in-house opportunity with purpose, we’d love to hear from you! About Us Settlement Services International (SSI Group) is a community-based organisation and social business that supports newcomers and Australians to achieve their full potential. Taking an integrated approach how everyone can thrive within the community in which they live and the wider Australian society, we support children, young people and families; people living with disability; and asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Our programs include facilitating employment, multicultural foster care, creating community engagement, advocacy, and influencing government and international affairs and provide though leadership within our sector nationally and globally. About our Benefits Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay! Industry leading hybrid and flexible working arrangement supporting work from home and office, including the opportunity of a 9-day fortnight Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth. Access to our inhouse wellbeing programs Working alongside professional and dedicated team members all wanting to make a difference in our communities. About our Recruitment Process At SSI we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, contractors and volunteers. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment. Our commitment to Diversity SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. To Apply If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Applications close 30th April 2026 If you would like more information on the recruitment process, please contact the talent acquisition team at talent@ssi.org.au A recruitment pool may be created for permanent and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available in the future. SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process, (including the application form), and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks. Should you require adjustments please email us at talent@ssi.org.au Please note we will be scheduling interviews as applications come in, so please apply urgently if you believe this role aligns with your goals and experience.
