General Counsel

General Counsel

Build a practical in-house legal function for our future

Mitchell Shire is entering a defining chapter.

40km north of Melbourne, our Shire spans Beveridge, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour. We’re a key growth corridor — balancing rapid residential expansion with the country character and community values that make Mitchell, Mitchell. With more than 64,000 residents today and strong growth ahead, every one of our 40+ townships has a role to play.

We’re setting the organisation up for what’s next.

A new structure, four new senior leadership roles, clearer accountability and faster decisions. This position — our first in-house General Counsel — brings Legal and Property together to enable timely, well-reasoned decisions, reduce external spend and protect public value. It’s strategic when required and hands-on when it counts.

About the role

The General Counsel is Council’s principal legal adviser.

Reporting to the Director, Organisational Performance and working with the Senior Management Team, you’ll establish a contemporary, service-oriented legal function, lead the Property team and turn complexity into clear, actionable solutions.  

Focus areas include property transactions, commercial agreements, procurement and probity, governance and administrative decision-making - supported by the systems and templates that help teams deliver at pace.

You will have strong local government, property, planning and contract expertise, be collaborative, pragmatic, solution-focused, commercially minded, and able to help the organisation achieve outcomes while managing legal risk.

Your focus is simple: help the organisation make good decisions, quickly and confidently.

You’ll deliver:

• Clear, plain-language advice across property, contracts, procurement, planning, governance and administrative law.
• Drafting and negotiation of leases, licences, deeds and commercial agreements aligned to Council’s risk profile and obligations.
• Practical templates, playbooks and a central advice library so good practice is easy to apply and repeat.
• Smart triage and oversight of external firms to ensure quality and value for money.
• Targeted training and coaching that lifts decision-making across the organisation.
• Straightforward reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and Council on legal risk, issues and trends, with early visibility of emerging matters.

Your portfolio covers:

• Legal & Property — in-house advice, transactions, leasing and licensing, and team leadership with a strategic property focus.
• Commercial and Contracts — standard forms, negotiation guidance, and contract governance.
• External Counsel and Panels — briefs, quality control, and budget management.

About you

Calm, credible, and practical, along with excellent collaboration and solution focussed mindset. You can set direction with the Executive Leadership Team, then roll up your sleeves on a deed, land negotiation or contract clause to keep work moving. You value pace without cutting corners and you translate complexity into options people can use.

You bring:

• Law degree and current (or eligible) Victorian practising certificate.
• Strong property and commercial experience, ideally in local government or the broader public sector.
• Proven drafting and negotiation skills with excellent stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership that sets expectations, builds capability and supports delivery.
• Confidence moving between strategy and detail without losing pace.

Why Mitchell? Why now?

Work where momentum is real and impact is visible — in the heart of Victoria. You’ll help shape planned communities and town centres while preserving what people value about living here. The role has scope to modernise how legal is done in local government and to build a function others will look to.

We offer:

• Meaningful work for a growing community.
• Flexible work options and supportive leaders in a values-led culture.
• Professional development and the chance to shape policy, systems and practice.
• A competitive total remuneration package (circa $200K dependent on experience, inclusive of superannuation), including option for a private use vehicle as well as additional benefits.

Want More Info?  

• Contact Frank Joyce Director Organisational Performance for a confidential conversation on 04•• ••• 488.
• To apply, submit your cover letter and resume addressing the Key Selection Criteria. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers page.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Safety

Mitchell Shire Council is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that values different perspectives and upholds the highest standards of integrity, respect and responsibility. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities.

As a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a valid Working with Children Check where required for the role.

Our commitment is guided by the principles of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic), the Gender Equality Act 2020, the Climate Change Act 2017 and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the application or interview process, we encourage you to let us know. We will work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to participate fully and demonstrate your capabilities.

Applications close at 5.00pm Monday 31 August 2026