About

Adelaide | Permanent | In-House Legal | Front-End Commercial | Sovereign Defence Project Your new company
We're partnering with a leading defence organisation to recruit a Senior Legal Counsel for its growing legal team supporting Australia's sovereign submarine build. This is a front-end commercial legal role tied to Australia's future submarine capability under AUKUS - one of the most strategically significant projects underway in the country.

You'll advise on procurement, governance, compliance, regulatory risk, and export control. This role offers autonomy, variety, and national-level impact, with direct access to senior stakeholders and exposure to international legal frameworks.
Your new role

Lead legal input on high-value contracts - procurement, IP, sponsorships, NDAs, JVs
Provide advice on governance, risk, compliance and export control (e.g. ITAR)
Support nuclear regulatory readiness and interface with Defence stakeholders
Manage legal matters across disputes, employment and incident response
Mentor junior legal counsel and support internal legal capability uplift
Deliver legal education and participate in cross-functional legal projects

What you'll need to succeed
You're a confident and commercially grounded legal professional who brings:


5+ years post-admission experience (PQE)
Strong front-end commercial legal experience - drafting, negotiation, stakeholder advice
Experience in Defence, aerospace, government, infrastructure or other regulated industries
The ability to manage matters independently and provide pragmatic advice
Australian citizenship and eligibility for NV1 clearance (required)
A collaborative mindset, sound judgement, and values-led approach

What you'll get in return
This is not a standard in-house legal role - it's an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia's most critical sovereign defence programs, backed by long-term government support.


Contribute to a nationally strategic submarine program under AUKUS
High-stakes legal advisory across government, regulation and international frameworks
Embedded in a high-trust, senior-facing legal team
Structured pathway to leadership and exposure to global Defence collaboration
International travel
Ideal for interstate candidates looking for strategic work and lifestyle

Exceptional benefits:

30 days annual leave
Bonus scheme (~6%)
Flexible work options
Long-term career development & technical training

What you need to do now If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact, apply now or contact suras.khosla@hays.com.au for a confidential discussion. Please click here to apply.