The Brief

A University sought an outstanding candidate to lead the successful operation of its legal services and the provision of advice to executives and managers across the University.  Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, this influential position is required to build relationships at senior levels, creating genuine impact across a range of complex issues.  This diverse role includes the identification and mitigation of risks and the management of a multifaceted portfolio of legal strategies and cases.

Solution Building​

Detailed research covered high calibre potential candidates with legal qualifications and leadership experience gained in complex organisations, coupled with the strategic mindset to position the role and team for a dynamic future. Personal and professional networks were engaged to ascertain interest and referrals and an online advertising campaign was undertaken.  ​

The longlist included qualified candidates from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, who were based across Australia.  Many of these candidates brought some experience in the higher education sector, although this was not a pre-requisite for the role.

The Outcome​

Five candidates were selected for interview, with legal experience across a range of sectors.  Following detailed referencing, the successful candidate was selected, bringing recent consulting experience in the areas of governance and risk in the education, government and not for profit sectors, most recently establishing legal services, frameworks and processes as General Counsel at a Foundation. They also bring extensive sector experience from 15 years at another University, delivering multiple services and high impact, enterprise-wide projects within budget in a complex, highly regulated environment.