Legal CounselFlexible

Legal Counsel

• North Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle or Melbourne based opportunity
• High performing team operating within a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Provide critical advice and embed yourself within Australia’s largest private rail freight business

About us

Pacific National (PN) is the largest provider of diversified rail freight services in Australia. We haul a variety of freight including coal, intermodal containers, steel, and a range of bulk commodities and materials that keep the region’s economy, businesses and households running. 

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Legal, we are seeking a Legal Counsel to join the team on a permanent basis where you will play a vital role in managing legal risks to support and enhance our competitive position.

In this position you will be delivering valued services for a large and complex business that is investing in new assets, technology, infrastructure, and strategic locations. You will be supported by a manager who focusses on your wellbeing and creates the space to operate autonomously and find the kind of work that energises you. Flexibility will be offered to the right candidate.

Key accountabilities include, however are not limited to:

• Handling a diverse array of legal tasks including commercial, customer and supplier arrangements, infrastructure projects, property transactions, health safety and environment matters, disputes and claims management, compliance and regulatory matters.
• Advising the Pacific National business on the applicable regulatory regimes, including applicable Australian rail industry specific legislation and health, safety, and environmental frameworks
• Advising the Pacific National business in relation to the negotiation of key commercial contracts, including customer and supplier contracts and property documents
• Assisting with the management of legal disputes and proceedings filed against or on behalf of Pacific National, working with relevant teams to define strategy and approve settlements of disputes as appropriate
• Working collaboratively across the Chief Legal Officer’s function to develop legal tools and methodologies consistent with best practice in-house teams
• Assisting with the development of policies, procedures, and training programs for staff on relevant legal and compliance topics

About you

To complement our high performing team, you will be a value driven professional who provides high quality, timely and independent legal services that meet the strategic objectives of the business.

Ideal candidates will also possess the following experience, skills and attributes:

• Bachelor of Laws or equivalent, and admitted to practice as a Lawyer in Australia
• Minimum 2 years legal experience, in private practice or in an in-house commercial environment
• Independent and innovative thinker, with exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to both listen to others and to be assertive when necessary
• Strong commercial focus combined with sound drafting and negotiation skills
• Collaborative approach achieving success with and through others
• Ability to work autonomously, whilst also being a team player and manage competing priorities
• Knowledge of the rail haulage market, transport and logistics and/or construction is preferable but not essential
• Experience in property, planning and environmental law matters will be well regarded.

The benefits

At Pacific National we value diversity, inclusion, and the contribution of each team member. Our values underpin our commitment to create an inclusive culture where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are, enabling everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. 

• Industry leading programs focussed on your growth and career development 
• Paid parental leave up to 14 weeks, with superannuation – after only 6 months service 
• Flexible working options – discuss what suits you at your interview 
• A focus on your mental health and wellbeing through our PeerConnect program 
• Discounted fitness and wellbeing benefits with membership to WhereFit, our wellbeing benefits partner 

We are proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for women, and you can visit Pacific National | WORK180 Endorsed Employer to find out more including a list of all of our benefits and policies. 

We are seeking applicants who share our values: Make it simple, Share more, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Own it. These values help us achieve strong connections with everyone we work with, and play an important part in motivating us all to do our best work.

What our employees say about working at Pacific National: 

Pacific National’s Women Connect Series 2023 was a fantastic event, beyond networking it gives women confidence in the workplace. 

Do you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process? 

If you need an adjustment in the recruitment process, please outline at the time of your application. 

Closing date 

Applications close on 12 November 2024. 

Next steps 

Are you ready to be part of our future? Click ‘Apply’ and take the first step today! 

To find out more about Pacific National, our benefits and opportunities we offer, visit our careers page: www.pacificnational.com.au/careers 

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of​ the land on which we work, live and rail.​ We pay respect to Elders past, present, and future and to the​ continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices​ of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.