Job Description
Join Sydney Anglican Services as our new Senior Legal Counsel, providing expert legal support to advance the work of the Sydney Anglican Diocese.......
- Specialisation: Employment law. Expressions of interest from candidates experienced in property law will also be considered.
- Hours: Part time or full-time hours negotiable
- Work style: Hybrid.
About us
Our team at the Sydney Anglican Offices are dedicated to supporting the growth of God’s Kingdom by providing valued services to churches and organisations across the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
This role sits within Sydney Anglican Services (SAS) which exists to provide the Synod of the Diocese with the corporate capacity to manage the affairs of the Diocese. We mainly do this by providing the Synod, other Diocesan organisations and parishes with a range of professional services.
Our services include providing strategic and missionally aligned support to those responsible for both the oversight and day-to-day functions of our 260 parishes.
Our professional services include legal services, which are provided through the incorporated legal practice, SDS Legal Limited.
About the role
The Senior Legal Counsel will provide sound and pragmatic employment / workplace law advice to the organisations and parishes served by SAS, drawing on an understanding of the Diocese’s culture and values. The Senior Legal Counsel will also provide commercial / corporate legal advice commensurate with an in-house role. This will be through:
- Legal Expertise: Provide clear, practical advice primarily on employment and workplace law.
- Dispute Resolution: Provide advice and practical guidance on the resolution of workplace disputes and represent clients in matters before the Fair Work Commission or similar bodies.
- Resource Development: Draft and review contracts, policies, guidelines, precedents and other legal resources to support operations and comply with law and best practice.
- Training & Awareness: Deliver training and seminars on legal issues and provide updates on legislative changes and emerging risks affecting the organisations and parishes served by SAS.
While this existing role is for an employment lawyer, we are examining a potential expansion of the legal team through the recruitment of a property lawyer. We will also consider applications from strong candidates with experience in property law.
About You
- Experienced legal practitioner with expertise in employment / workplace law.
- Proactive legal professional with strong technical expertise, commercial judgment and a collaborative approach.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver clear legal advice and manage client relationships.
- Strong organisational skills with experience managing competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to provide practical legal solutions.
- Ability to understand and support the mission and values of the Diocese and SAS.
- Team-focused, leading by example with a positive, service‑oriented mindset.
Consistent with the ethos and values of the Sydney Anglican Offices, applicants for the position must have a demonstrated Christian commitment and be an active member of a church. Knowledge of the Anglican Diocese is an advantage.
Why Work For Us?
- Assist to grow God’s kingdom by supporting the ministry of local churches.
- Excellent workplace culture with high levels of satisfaction consistently reported by staff in annual surveys.
- CBD location near public transport hubs
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Salary packaging options
- Volunteer days
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program
Application
Please apply through our recruitment website Employment Hero here.
For more information:
- Regarding the recruitment process, please contact Amy Bokalawela at arb@sydney.anglican.asn.au
- Regarding the position, please contact the Head of Legal Services and Principal of SDS Legal Limited, Steve Lucas on szl@sydney.anglican.asn.au
Closing Date: 18 March 2026. Early applications encouraged.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Police Check and have a valid working visa.
Do Applicants need to have Permission to work in Australia?
SAS exists to serve Anglican organisations across the Sydney Diocese by providing shared corporate services that enable mission and ministry to flourish. With responsibility for key portfolios such as Corporate Governance, Finance, IT, Legal, HR, Facilities, andParish Services, SAS is a trusted delivery partner for a broad network of parishes, and diocesan agencies.
Employing approximately 100 staff and with revenue of $22 million, SAS operates in close alignment with Diocesan values and governance structures, maintaining strong relationships with Standing Committee, Synod, and related bodies. It is a values-driven organisation committed to excellence, stewardship, and supporting Gospel work.