Legal Counsel

Who we are

Johnson Controls is the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. We’ve been making buildings smarter since 1885, and our capabilities, depth of innovation experience, and global reach have been growing ever since. Today, we offer the world’s largest portfolio of building products, technologies, software, and services; we put that portfolio to work to transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play.

Why Johnson Controls!

• Global company with career opportunities

• Exposure to many areas of the business and multiple locations

• Great Systems in place

• Strong teamwork culture

• Attractive Remuneration package - Base + Car allowance + Bonus

About this role

We are growing! We are looking for a Legal Counsel (Australia and New Zealand). Based in Melbourne and reporting to Legal Director. 

The role will involve:​

• Advise sales and procurement teams on legal issues (including contract review, negotiation and performance, customer disputes, and product liability etc.) and where necessary, assist with the instructing and liaising with external counsel.

• Update existing contract templates in line with Business needs or changes in legislation.

• Ensure all agreements reviewed comply with guidelines, as well as support the Business during the internal approval process. Highlight legal and execution risks to proposal teams.

• Advise project managers on post-contractual issues (including proper project documentation, progress claims, variation, delay and prolongation claims etc.) and where necessary, assist with the instructing and liaising with external counsel.

• Participate and contribute to the handover process between sales and projects.

• Manage potential claims by or against JCI, work with the regional Litigation Director and liaise with external counsel if required.

• Conduct periodic training for the Business and Project teams on legislative developments and updates to relevant internal policies.

• Work with Finance and the Business to drive the recovery and reduction of past receivables.

• Work on law department continuous improvement projects to develop legal best practices and provide trainings to business teams from an enterprise perspective, on issues including unified negotiation approaches to commercial transactions, labour and intellectual property issues, contract templates, contract negotiation self-help tools, and policies and processes.

• Advise HR on legal issues arising from employment matters such as benefits and policies, restructuring, terminations, retirement, and re-employment.

• Participate in internal disciplinary processes.

• Support the Regional Compliance Director in the implementation of compliance policies, roll out training to the Business, as well as assist in internal investigations as required.

• Work with members of specialized global functional teams from time to time, such as the Corporate Development Office, Intellectual Property, Labour & Employment, and Litigation.

• Contribute to regional committee or project teams set up by the Law Department.

• Be flexible in work scope and organizational changes to provide needed legal support to meet Business needs, as required.

Education, Experience & Skills required.

• Excellent academic credentials, with a LL.B or J.D. from a reputable University.

• Admitted to practice law in Australia, with 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience.

• Prior experience working in an in-house law department of a multi-industrial, multinational company.  In-house experience gained from an extended secondment will also be considered.

• General Litigation, Employment and Construction experience will be advantageous.

• Candidates currently working with reputable law firms wishing to move in-house will be considered.

• Excellent communication skills

Personal Characteristics Required.

• Confident solution provider – able to function independently with minimal supervision, but not hesitant to consult with colleagues on proposed solution.

• Very proactive – must anticipate risk, identify and resolve problems, balancing commercial and legal risks when advising the Business.

• Very ethically driven – able to say “no” in the face of strong business pressure and comply with JCI policies or the law.

• Good presentation and communication skills.

• Strong negotiation and excellent drafting skills.

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.

If you are interested in this role, please click the Apply now button. Feel free to reach out for a confidential chat to Amy on 0417 445 920. #LI-AR2

Diversity & Inclusion 

Our dedication to diversity and inclusion starts with our values. We lead with integrity and purpose, focusing on the future and aligning with our customers’ vision for success. Our High-Performance Culture ensures that we have the best talent that is highly engaged and eager to innovate. ​​​​​​ Our D&I mission elevates each employee’s responsibility to contribute to our culture. It’s through these contributions that we’ll drive the mindsets and behaviors we need to power our customers’ missions. You have the power. You have the voice. You have the culture in your hands.