Deputy General Counsel - Office of General Counsel

About the Role

We have a newly created opportunity for an experienced senior lawyer to join our Office of General Counsel, based in Sydney. This is a substantive in-house role offering the opportunity to advise senior leaders on commercial and compliance matters central to the firm's operations.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will advise partners and senior stakeholders on a broad range of internal commercial legal matters — including client engagement terms, supplier agreements, and contracting issues — as well as legal profession compliance and conflicts management.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Advising partners and senior stakeholders on commercial legal matters and legal profession compliance, including the identification and management of conflicts of interest

• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts such as client engagement terms, supplier agreements, confidentiality agreements, escrow agreements, and reliance letters

• Managing conflicts of interest processes, including use of Intapp as required

• Proactive management of commercial and compliance risks, providing clear recommendations and practical solutions

• Supporting the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies

• Ensuring compliance with relevant internal policies, legal profession laws, and regulatory requirements

The role requires a high degree of autonomy, with sound judgement exercised on matters requiring escalation and discretion.

About You

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• Minimum 6 years post-qualification experience, including experience in a comparable role within a law firm's in-house or general counsel function

• Strong knowledge of Australian contract law, corporate law, and regulatory compliance (including legal profession regulatory frameworks)

• Demonstrated familiarity with conflicts management, including proficiency in Intapp or equivalent conflicts management systems

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and contract advisory skills across a range of commercial agreements

• High professional standards, with a commitment to accuracy, ethical conduct, and discretion in handling sensitive information

• Sound critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a practical and commercial focus

• Confidence to provide frank advice and navigate differing perspectives across all levels of the firm

Why Join Clayton Utz?

At Clayton Utz, we’re more than just a law firm – we’re a community that values our people and their contributions.

When you join us, you’ll enjoy:

• Access to professional development programs and career growth opportunities.

• The tools to perform your role to your best ability, with world-class infrastructure and resources to keep your skills sharp and ahead of the curve, including leading AI platform, Harvey.

• A focus on health and wellbeing, with initiatives to support your physical and mental health including lifestyle and gym membership discounts via our partnership with AIA Vitality.

• A collaborative and inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and fosters belonging.

• Up to 26 weeks’ paid parental leave, with flexibility over two years, plus paid superannuation.

• The option to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional leave annually.

How to Apply?

We prefer to work directly with candidates, if you are interested in this role, please click the ‘Apply’ button or contact the consultant, details below, for more information. Clayton Utz is an inclusive employer that supports flexible work arrangements, please feel free to discuss your flexibility needs with the recruiter for this role.

Consultant Contact Details

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. Do you require any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application? If so, please contact the recruiter via the above telephone number or via email to recruitmentsupport@claytonutz.com.

For more information on Clayton Utz, please visit www.claytonutz.com or follow us on LinkedIn here.

Agency submissions

Clayton Utz does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Clayton Utz Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to Clayton Utz partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute as an introduction to the firm and Clayton Utz will not be liable for a fee.