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Executive Director (Legal Services) & General Counsel
Legal Services; Corporate Performance and Delivery; Brisbane City
A rare opportunity to lead and deliver legal capability at scale in a complex public portfolio.
DETSI is seeking a deeply credible legal practitioner. Someone who draws on substantial experience as a practitioner, understands legislation and public law in depth, and is comfortable standing behind their advice in complex, high‑risk and often ambiguous contexts.
Join us as General Counsel, Legal Services Branch, Corporate, Performance and Delivery where you will:
• Lead DETSI’s legal function at a critical time of establishment and growth
• Provide trusted, strategic legal advice to executive leadership
• Shape high‑quality legal services across a complex and diverse portfolio
#Acareerthatmatters. #Acontributionthatcounts.
Job details
| Position status | Contract |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible-full-time,Full-time |
| Occupational group | Executive |
| Classification | SES2(H) |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City,Flexible |
| Job ad reference | QLD/689183/26 |
| Closing date | 01-Jun-2026 |
| Job duration | up to 5 years with possible extension |
| Contact person | Lyndsay Webley, Partner, Luminary |
| Contact details | Ph: 0411 063 095 Access the National Relay Service |
About the Role
This is a significant senior executive opportunity to lead legal services within a complex and influential department, contributing directly to government decision making and outcomes for Queenslanders. The role offers scope to shape how legal services support a modern, high performing public organisation, working closely with an engaged executive leadership team.
Reporting to the Deputy Director‑General, Corporate, Performance and Delivery, the General Counsel leads the Department's internal Legal Services function and has oversight of legal matters across DETSI. The role provides authoritative legal, strategic and risk‑based advice to the Director‑General, Executive Leadership Team and Minister, supporting the delivery of the Department's objectives while protecting the interests of the State.
This is a newly established role and team for DETSI, and therefore this is a rare opportunity to build and lead the internal Legal Services function from the ground up.
As General Counsel, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership, vision and direction for the Legal Services function in support of Departmental priorities.
- Deliver expert legal advice on complex, significant and sensitive matters to the Minister, Director‑General and senior executives.
- Oversee a wide range of legal work and proactively identify, manage and mitigate legal risk across the Department's programs, projects and operations.
- Build strong, effective relationships with executives and senior leaders to support shared understanding of legal obligations, risk and priorities.
- Lead, develop and support a capable and engaged legal workforce, promoting integrity, professionalism and continuous improvement.
- Manage relationships with Crown Law and external legal providers to ensure quality, value for money and timely outcomes.
- Champion inclusive leadership, ethical decision‑making and a safe, respectful workplace culture.
What We're Looking For
To be successful in this role you will be an accomplished senior legal practitioner with strong commercial and public law capability and the confidence to operate at Executive and Ministerial level. You bring sound judgement, credibility and resilience in complex environments, with experience providing clear, practical and defensible advice on high‑risk matters. You are a collaborative leader who can guide teams, engage stakeholders and navigate ambiguity with professionalism and integrity.
Apply now to play a key role in shaping legal services within one of Queensland Government's most diverse and influential portfolios.
Mandatory requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must be a lawyer who has been admitted to practice for at least five years. You will need to provide a copy of your qualifications, with originals sighted prior to engagement and have, or be immediately eligible to obtain, a practising certificate in Queensland.
Ready to Apply?
We have partnered with Luminary in the search and selection of talent for this process, please visit the candidate page for further information: Luminary Partners
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and offer priority consideration to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living with disability who meet the minimum requirements. For a confidential discussion, contact Lyndsay Webley on 0411 063 095 or Lyndsay.webley@luminarypartners.com.au. If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please reach out to Lyndsay.
Applications will remain current for a period of 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure to download any attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
