Special Counsel

Salary:

200000 - 250000

/ Year

Contract Type:

Permanent

Location:

Sydney - NSW

Industry:

Professional

Reference:

3971692

Contact Name:

Esme Lynch

Contact Email:

esme@publicsectorpeople.com.au

Date Published:

16-Feb-2026

Special Counsel
Location: Randwick, NSW
Work Type: Full Time, Permanent
Public Sector People on behalf of Randwick City Council

Drive strategic legal outcomes and guide complex planning decisions that shape the future of one of Sydney’s most progressive coastal councils.

Public Sector People are proud to partner with Randwick City Council to recruit a highly skilled Special Counsel. This pivotal leadership role leads Council’s legal services across planning, development, building and regulatory matters, ensuring decisions are well-founded, transparent and legally robust.

The Special Counsel works directly with the Director City Planning, Manager Development Assessment, Planning team and the Directorate’s management team. The role is strongly supported and embedded within Council, where you will be supported by dedicated legal administration and an experienced full-time Paralegal.

You’ll represent Council in key court proceedings, provide expert legal and strategic advice across planning and development functions, and play a central role in advancing accountability, good governance and sustainable city outcomes.

About the Role
Reporting to the Director, City Planning, you will be responsible for:

Initiating, conducting and managing litigation on behalf of Council across the Local, Land & Environment, District, Federal, Supreme and High Courts, as well as commissions and tribunals
Providing authoritative legal advice on planning, development, building and regulatory matters to minimise risk and ensure compliance
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal documents, agreements and instruments
Leading negotiations on planning and development issues and representing Council at conferences and hearings linked to Court matters
Monitoring and interpreting new legislation, briefing staff on implications and ensuring alignment with Council objectives
Driving continuous improvement in legal processes, practices and documentation across Council
Contribute to a collaborative management team environment and continuous improvement of governance practices

What You’ll Bring

Degree in Law and admission as a Solicitor or Barrister of the Supreme Court of NSW, with an unrestricted NSW practising certificate
Litigation experience, particularly within the Land & Environment Court
Sound understanding of local government, planning, development and regulatory frameworks
Strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and achieve outcomes in complex or contested matters
Proven analytical and conceptual capability, with the ability to provide clear, evidence-based legal advice
Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities

Why Randwick City Council?

Access to professional development, leadership programs and mentoring opportunities
Opportunities to contribute to sustainable urban planning outcomes that shape Randwick’s future
Reward & Recognition programs celebrating high performance and community impact
Genuine autonomy in your practice, supported by strengthened legal resourcing and a forward-thinking leadership team

Ready to bring your legal expertise and leadership to one of Sydney’s leading coastal councils?
Contact Esme Lynch at Public Sector People on 0413 282 765 or email esme@publicsectorpeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications close: 11:59pm, Tuesday 3rd March 2026.
Please note, recruitment activity may commence prior to the closing date.

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