General Counsel in Melbourne

General Counsel job description

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the executive leadership team, providing strategic legal guidance across all aspects of the organisation’s operations within the financial services sector. This role ensures compliance, manages legal risk, and supports corporate governance initiatives in a complex regulatory environment.

General Counsel job duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a General Counsel in the financial services sector include:

Advising the board and executive team on legal, regulatory, and governance matters

Managing legal risks across contracts, transactions, and strategic initiatives

Overseeing litigation, dispute resolution, and external legal counsel relationships

Ensuring compliance with financial services regulations, including ASIC, APRA, and AML/CTF

Leading the development and enforcement of internal legal policies and frameworks

Supporting mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate activities

Collaborating with compliance, risk, and audit teams to align legal oversight

Providing legal support for product development, marketing, and customer engagement

Managing a legal team and developing legal capability across the business

Typical General Counsel job qualifications and requirements

A law degree and a current Australian practising certificate are essential. Significant experience in a senior legal position within the financial services sector is required, ideally with exposure to both regulatory and transactional matters.

Admission as a solicitor or barrister in an Australian jurisdiction

Extensive experience in financial services law, corporate law, and regulatory compliance

Proven leadership and management of in-house legal teams, including external counsel coordination

Strong understanding of APRA and ASIC regulatory frameworks, including compliance with key legislation such as the Corporations Act, NCCP, AML/CTF, and privacy laws

Demonstrated capability in advising on governance, risk, and legal implications of business strategy

Excellent negotiation, contract drafting, and legal advisory skills

Commercial acumen and the ability to balance legal risk with strategic business objectives

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including board and executive engagement

Experience advising on complex transactions, disputes, and regulatory investigations

Familiarity with Royal Commission outcomes and evolving financial services reforms (e.g. FAR, DDO, breach reporting)

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Salary for General Counsel in Melbourne

260925 - 434700

25th Percentile

260925

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

326025

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

434700

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Junior Legal Counsel

80850

95025

110775

Legal Counsel

110250

135450

172725

Senior Legal Counsel

151200

194250

233100

Head of Legal

231000

262500

325500

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