Senior Legal Counsel

Fremantle Ports' refreshed 2027 Strategic Plan marks an exciting new chapter for one of Australia's most successful ports. Building on decades of expertise, we're setting a bold vision for the future and are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Senior Legal Counsel to help support and enable that journey. 

If you're passionate about delivering practical legal solutions, enjoy working closely with business leaders, and are looking for a role that offers breadth, influence and meaningful impact, this could be the opportunity for you. 

Role Highlights

Reporting to the Principal Solicitor / Manager Legal and Governance, the Senior Legal Counsel is responsible for providing accurate, timely and practical legal advice across a diverse range of commercial, operational, governance and strategic matters. The role plays an important part in helping Fremantle Ports manage legal risk, meet its regulatory obligations and achieve its organisational objectives. 

A significant component of the position involves supporting the Property team, including advising on leasing, land tenure and associated contractual arrangements within a complex industrial port environment. Expertise in this area would be highly regarded.

 In addition to providing legal advice on a wide range of issues, the Senior Legal Counsel is expected to play a key role in the assisting in the governance function including developing, promoting and maintaining existing governance mechanisms at Fremantle Ports

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of legal issues impacting Fremantle Ports. 
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of contracts and legal documents. 
• Advising on property, leasing, land tenure and related contractual matters. 
• Advising on WHS issues and insurance queries.
• Supporting commercial, procurement, construction and infrastructure-related projects and contracts. 
• Managing legal matters from inception through to completion, including dispute resolution and engagement with external legal providers.
• Advising senior leaders on legal, governance and compliance matters. 
• Contributing to integrity, governance and policy frameworks, including matters relating to conflicts of interest, investigations and ethical conduct.
• Building strong collaborative relationships across the organisation to deliver practical and effective business outcomes.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in Law. 
• Current Australian legal practising certificate. 
• Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience. 
• Demonstrated experience providing legal advice in a commercial, government, regulatory or in-house environment. [
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation and advisory skills. 
• Proven ability to build productive stakeholder relationships and influence outcomes. 
• Sound judgement, strong attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to manage a diverse workload, prioritise competing demands and work autonomously.  

Desirable

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: property and leasing, construction, infrastructure, commercial contracts, disputes or government legal practice. 
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory and governance frameworks applicable to Government Trading Enterprises or State Government organisations. 
• Experience working within a highly regulated, industrial or operational environment. 

What We Offer

Join Fremantle Ports and be part of a proud organisation with a rich history and culture that makes a significant contribution to the Western Australian economy. As a trusted legal advisor, you'll have the opportunity to work on complex and high-profile matters that directly support the ongoing success of one of Australia's most important trading gateways. 

Benefit from free onsite parking, access to a gymnasium, flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, generous annual leave provisions, salary packaging options, professional development opportunities and a comprehensive health and wellbeing program.  

Get to Know Us

Fremantle Ports is a Government Trading Enterprise with a strong commercial track record and a reputation for excellence among customers, partners and the wider community. The Port of Fremantle is a vital transport hub supporting Western Australia's economic growth and trade.

We are proud to have a clear set of values that guide how we work together every day: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (CARE). 

Next Steps

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding legal role where your expertise will make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Further information is detailed in the Employee Position Description. For specific queries, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]. Applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 25 August 2026 / 5.00PM

Fremantle Ports has a flexible working policy.  Whilst this is advertised as a full-time position, candidates who require flexibility and are available to work 0.8 FTE are also encouraged to apply.

Fremantle Ports is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged.