Legal Counsel

St John WA has been serving the Western Australian community since 1922. Our organisation has grown into an integrated healthcare provider, connecting people across WA to lifesaving emergency services, urgent care, and health education.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the safety, wellbeing, and health of everyone, no matter where in WA they live. Our services are powered by more than 8,000 dedicated employees and volunteers who bring care, skill, and compassion to every corner of the state.

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join our Legal, Risk and Governance team. As Legal Counsel, you'll be a trusted advisor to the business, partnering with leaders across the organisation to provide practical, commercial legal advice that supports strategic decision-making, manages risk and enables positive outcomes for our people, patients, customers and community.

This is a broad in-house role offering exposure to a diverse range of legal matters across one of Western Australia's most recognised and respected organisations. Working closely with the Head of Legal, Risk and Governance, you'll have the opportunity to influence key business initiatives while supporting a purpose-driven organisation that makes a difference every day.

What you'll do

As Legal Counsel, you will provide practical, commercially focused legal advice across a diverse portfolio, including:

• Commercial contracting and contract negotiations
• Property and infrastructure projects
• Governance activities and Board support
• Regulatory compliance and enterprise risk management
• Medical negligence claims
• Coronial inquiries
• Policy development and governance framework reviews
• Legal support for strategic business initiatives
• Legal research, legislative monitoring and development of legal precedents
• Engaging with external legal counsel and management complex legal matters where required.

What you’ll need

You are a commercially minded legal professional who enjoys partnering with stakeholders to deliver pragmatic, solutions-focused advice. You can balance legal risk with business outcomes, build trusted relationships and communicate complex legal issues in a practical and accessible way.

You will also bring:

• Admission as a legal practitioner in Australia
• A current Western Australian practising certificate, or the ability to obtain one
• At least 5 years' post-admission experience in corporate or commercial law
• Strong commercial drafting, negotiation and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building capabilities, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Company Secretary (CoSec) experience, including providing governance advice and supporting Boards and Committees

Highly Desirable:

• Company Secretary (CoSec) experience, including providing governance advice and supporting Boards and Committees
• Experience working within the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience in aged care, healthcare, property, construction or another highly regulated environment.

Why join St John WA?

The successful candidate will be offered an interactive and supportive working environment, along with:

• $550 Health and Wellness reimbursement
• Salary packaging and novated leasing
• Flexible working arrangements
• Consumer discounts
• Discounts on first aid equipment
• Complimentary First Aid Training
• Complimentary ambulance cover

Ready to Apply?

To be considered for this opportunity, please click Apply Now. You will need to complete the online application form and submit the following:

1. Up to date CV detailing key experiences and work history.
2. A cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing your relevant experience and responding to the Selection Criteria questions below.

• What is your motivation for applying for the Legal Counsel position?
• Describe your experience providing commercial legal advice across a range of matters. Include examples of areas such as commercial contracts, governance, regulatory compliance, property, litigation or other complex legal issues, and how you delivered practical business outcomes.
• Describe a time you partnered with stakeholders to resolve a complex legal issue. Outline your approach, how you influenced the outcome, and how you communicated legal advice to non-legal audiences.

Applicants will receive an automated receipt on application. If you have not received this email, please contact the Talent Sourcing team prior to the closing date and time. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications that do not include both a cover letter and resume may not be considered.

Alternatively, if you have any questions, please contact Careers on (08) 9334 1436 or via email at careers@stjohnwa.com.au

Applications close on Tuesday 18th August 2026 at 6pm.

St John WA is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves. We encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, nationalities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the LGBTIQ+ community.

St John WA is a child-safe organisation and takes a proactive approach to child safety. We ensure all children engaged in St John WA services are protected, respected, and empowered. Our commitment is supported by clear policies and procedures that reinforce our safeguarding practices.

St John WA reserves the right to select a shortlist from the applications received. The selection process employed will be at the discretion of St John WA.