We’re BDO, a global professional services firm connected to local markets. Our people work together to provide specialist expertise, helping businesses achieve their goals.
We inspire others, to go further. We create together, to reach higher. We build trust, to lead purposefully.
Whether you're building your future or starting your career with us, you won’t do it alone. From creating solutions for our clients to building careers for our people, we shape what matters, and that’s where you come in.
About the Role
Why join BDO’s in-house legal team?
BDO is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax and advisory services to clients of all types and sizes, from large corporates to private businesses, government and public sector organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals across an array of industry sectors. BDO is an international network of independent firms that extends across 166 countries and territories.
BDO’s in-house legal team sits at the heart of the firm and no two days look the same. We are a national team that advises key stakeholders, partners and staff across Australia on genuinely broad and interesting matters: commercial contracts, disputes, regulatory issues, employment, enterprise risk and governance and more. The legal team is a trusted and genuinely valued part of the firm.
We are proud of the collaborative and high-performing culture we’ve built, without the billable-hour pressures that can define so many legal careers. We want lawyers who care about their work and the people they work with. Come join us if you’re looking for a legal environment that is collaborative, challenging and rewarding, without the billable hours! Here’s what’s different about working in our legal team:
- No timesheets. Your success is measured by the quality of your work and your ability to act as a trusted adviser to the firm.
- Real variety. You’ll have exposure to commercial, disputes, regulatory, employment and governance matters. Generalists with commercial nous and who love diversity will thrive.
- Genuine autonomy and exposure. As you settle in, you’ll take on your own matters and have the opportunity to build relationships with key stakeholders.
- Truly fast-paced. BDO moves fast and operates at a high professional standard.
- Collaborative. We are a small legal team, so you’ll work as a trusted, visible member of a small but effective national legal function but we do sit within the larger Enterprise Services team.
- Innovative. We’re exploring new ways to leverage technology to streamline processes and be able to add real value to the firm.
About the Opportunity
Due to continued growth across the firm, we are increasing our legal team. We are looking for a full-time permanent legal counsel.
Working with the General Counsel, Head of Legal and the national legal team, you’ll provide practical, commercial legal advice across a wide variety of interesting and challenging matters. As you settle in, you will make decisions, advise the firm and take ownership of your portfolio.
Your work will include:
- Advising on, drafting and negotiating various commercial contracts;
- Providing clear, commercially-focused legal advice and advising on legal risk management strategies;
- Assisting with disputes and/or litigation (including briefing external lawyers where required)
- Supporting leadership with high-priority projects and firm initiatives, providing fantastic exposure to key stakeholders and the operations of a large professional services firm;
- Keeping the business informed on legal developments through targeted updates and training;
- Reviewing and maintaining the firm’s legal frameworks including policies and procedures;
- Contributing to the operational transformation of the legal team through developing legal knowledge resources, and streamlining work processes etc.).
Who we’re looking for:
Our ideal candidate has established strong technical and commercial skills and is looking to further develop their legal career without the billable hour.
Qualifications & Experience required:
- Bachelor of Laws and admitted to practice in an Australian State or Territory (unrestricted practicing certificate is required)
- Minimum 6 years PQE, with a strong foundation in commercial law;
- Experience providing clear, practical advice that balances legal risk with commercial objectives to achieve practical solutions
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to communicate effectively, gaining the trust and confidence of colleagues across different levels and locations
- Agile and adaptable, able to manage competing and shifting priorities for matters across a range of sizes complexity.
Highly regarded but not essential:
- Experience in employment law, litigation and regulatory matters (e.g. ASIC investigations).
- Prior in-house experience is not essential.
Why BDO?
Working for BDO you will be part of a growing and market leading professional services firm.
Our national and global footprint provides our people with opportunities to work on interesting client engagements, across diverse industry sectors and services.
Our open and collaborative culture ensures access to Partners and professional mentors, to guide and accelerate your professional career, across a wide array of career pathways.
We provide our people with various health and wellbeing, social, financial, and professional development benefits to help realise what’s possible.
Participate in fitness challenges or take advantage of exclusive discounts to corporate health insurance, gym memberships and wellness facilities via our BWell program. Access benefits such as travel perks, retail discounts, employee referral rewards, study, and professional development support.
Our leave options cater to the unique needs of our people; and include enhanced family support, cultural and religious leave, and options to purchase additional leave. You can also give back and get involved in community initiatives via our BCaring program.
With a strong focus on learning and growth, we provide on the job training and formal development programs to help you succeed in your role and develop your skills and experience.
Our culture is underpinned by our core values (One, Bold, Human, Heart and Strive).
We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2025-2026 by Diversity Council of Australia and a 2024-2025 Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
BDO is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview process, we encourage you to contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]
