Exceptional career opportunity for a highly experienced legal practitioner to lead the in-house Legal Team of Australia's national broadcaster.
The ABC is the nation's most trusted and independent source of Australian conversations, culture, and stories.
With over 4,000 employees from diverse backgrounds across over 50 locations around Australia and overseas, we are proud to create, curate and deliver high-quality content that informs, educates and entertains Australian communities.
The Role Reporting to the Managing Director, the General Counsel is responsible for providing leadership and expert guidance to ensure the delivery of comprehensive legal services that enable the ABC to achieve its objectives and maintain its reputation of trust.
The General Counsel is required to provide high-level, practical legal advice to the Managing Director, ABC Board and Executive Leadership Team on complex matters that impact the ABC's overall position and operations, as well as partner with colleagues across the Corporation providing legal advice, analysis and workable solutions on legal matters.
The General Counsel leads the ABC's in-house Legal Team, providing guidance and mentoring to further strengthen the Legal Team's role as strategic business partners, and to ensure the continued provision of independent, trusted counsel that effectively balances risk management with operational objectives.
A key focus will be the continuous refinement of service delivery strategies to meet evolving business needs; reinforcing the Legal Team's position as a key and valued contributor to ABC's objectives.
Key Skills & Capabilities This critical appointment requires a highly experienced legal practitioner, admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales (or other State and Territory) and the High Court for a minimum of 15 years, with a current unrestricted practising certificate or the ability to immediately obtain one.
They must possess deep knowledge and expertise in media law, in particular, defamation, media regulation, contracting (content and technology) and other laws relating to publishing content, copyright & other relevant laws applicable to a media organisation.
They will have preferably held a General Counsel or equivalent level role in-house, and importantly possess a strong understanding and/or appreciation of public interest journalism and the demands of the new digital age.
An engaging, collegiate, and collaborative working style; a willingness to be "hands on" as required; the ability to quickly pivot and work in a fast paced, demanding environment; and an openness to different perspectives is also required.
The ABC strives for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and to promote a culture of opportunity, through its services the ABC seeks to represent, connect and engage with all of the Australian community.
The Executive Search firm, Omera Partners is exclusively advising the ABC with the appointment.
To register your interest and obtain a copy of the Briefing Document, please email your CV and a one-page covering letter to For a confidential discussion regarding the appointment, please call Partner Angela Clelland on or send an email to the address provided.
Applications close 5.00pm Friday 22 November 2024.