General Counsel in Perth

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 Perth

272500 - 534100

25th percentile

272500

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

337900

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

534100

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

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

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Junior Legal Counsel

81750

98100

119900

Legal Counsel

114450

141700

185300

Senior Legal Counsel

158050

201650

288850

Head of Legal

239800

272500

337900

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

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