Legal Counsel

Join Only About Children (OAC), a leading early childhood education provider, as our new Legal Counsel - a key permanent role providing practical, commercial, and compliance-focused legal support across the business. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you'll partner closely with teams across operations, finance, property, people & culture, and risk, helping to protect our business while enabling growth and innovation.

This role is based in our St Leonards support office, with hybrid work arrangements available (3 days in office).

About the Role

This is a broad, fast-paced, hands-on in-house legal role where no two days are the same. You'll provide legal advice, manage governance and compliance frameworks, and collaborate on a wide variety of matters across the organisation.

Success in this role requires someone who's not afraid to get involved in every aspect of the work - from high-level legal review to administration, records management and supporting reporting processes. You'll be joining a small legal team where initiative, flexibility and a can-do attitude are highly valued.

Key focus areas:

General legal advice across commercial, leasing, property and regulatory matters
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts and leases
Corporate governance, record keeping, and compliance reporting (including obligations to our US-listed parent)
Liaising with external legal advisors on litigation, compliance, and property matters
Supporting privacy, WHS, risk, and regulatory compliance initiatives
Contributing to ad hoc projects involving insurance, risk, or knowledge management
About You

You're a legal generalist who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working cross-functionally, and brings a practical, solution-focused mindset. You're equally comfortable managing detailed legal matters and rolling up your sleeves to tackle administrative or routine tasks when needed.

You'll bring:

3+ years' post-admission experience, ideally in commercial or corporate law
A current NSW practising certificate
Strong contract review and negotiation skills
A collaborative, responsive working style and confidence working across teams
Property or leasing experience (ideal but not essential)
Experience in regulated sectors such as education, health or aged care (a plus)
A friendly, approachable communication style and willingness to "pitch in" wherever needed
This role could suit:

A private practice lawyer ready to move in-house
Someone returning from parental leave seeking flexibility and purpose-driven work
A professional who wants to be part of a values-led organisation where their work makes a difference
Why Join OAC?

At OAC, we're more than just early learning - we're a community. Our St Leonards support office is the hub of our 80+ campuses, and our culture is built on our HEART principles: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Teamwork.

You'll enjoy:

Hybrid working arrangements (3 days in-office at St Leonards)
A collaborative, friendly leader who values autonomy and partnership
A flat structure where your contribution is seen and valued
Work that aligns with purpose and has a tangible impact on children, families and teams
Access to childcare discounts, wellness initiatives and flexibility
Ready to Apply?

We'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your resume or reach out for a confidential chat. Whether you're exploring your first in-house opportunity or looking to do meaningful work in a collaborative, values-led team - this could be the next step for you.

At Only About Children we have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and we want you to bring your whole self to work. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the community, particularly those who identify as Australian Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander.

At Only About Children (OAC), every child's safety, wellbeing, and protection is our highest priority. We have an unwavering committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe and valued. All employees are required to hold a current Employee Working with Children Check before beginning employment. Additionally, throughout the recruitment process, we conduct thorough assessments to ensure the suitability of all candidates for working with children.