Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Job Location: Flinders Street, SA, Edinburgh Parks, SA or Melbourne, VIC – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

The Legal Counsel is responsible for the implementation of legal solutions to assist BAE Systems Australia in a fast moving complex working environment. The position is accountable for business legal support and compliance. The role operates as part of the broader legal team, such that depending on complexity the output might be done independently or in collaboration with other team members.

Core Duties:

• Providing timely and relevant legal support, striking the right balance between managing risk and delivering competitive customer solutions
• Negotiating and/ or documenting contracts in a manner that is clear, concise and capable of successful delivery and where applicable supporting the commercial, supply chain and procurement functions in reviewing, negotiating and documenting those contracts
• Providing legal support to the facilities function including documenting and/ or negotiating real estate transactions such as leases and licences
• Maintaining current knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations; preparing, reviewing and enhancing legal functional tools such as precedent documents, legal policies and training materials; supporting implementation of legal policies and processes, including anti-bribery and corruption, conflict of interest, probity, ethics and code of conduct
• Supporting the Chief Counsel, Senior Legal Counsel and Legal Counsel as required on strategic campaigns and other material legal matters
• Individual participation in bid or project teams, as determined from time to time
• Ensuring legal risk is appropriately mitigated and communicated in correspondence and documents sent for review

Essential Skills:

• Law Degree and other requirements enabling admission to practice in Australia
• Demonstrated recent experience in a law firm or in-house legal department
• Experience in Contract, Commercial, Intellectual Property and Property law (required)
• Experience in ethics, WHS obligations, Dispute Resolution and regulatory compliance (desirable)
• Solid commercial and drafting skills
• Contract review and negotiation experience from a legal perspective
• Experience providing legal support on a variety of transactions

The Legal Team

The Legal Function is responsible for providing commercial and reliable legal advice to the Company. A key component of our legal advice relates to contract advice and review.

The Legal Function is also responsible for assisting the Company with its compliance with legislative requirements.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.