Job Description
General Information
Location
Sydney, New South Wales
Alternative Location(s)
Posting Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Posting Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Working Schedule
Temporary
Work Arrangement
Hybrid
Relocation Assistance Available
No
Posted Date
30-Apr-2026
Job ID
17359
Description and Requirements
The Opportunity
The Legal Counsel is responsible for providing clear, commercial and timely legal advice to support MetLife Australia’s business strategy and mitigate legal risk across the Australian enterprise. Guided by our purpose — always with you, building a more confident future — and our New Frontier strategy focused on stronger growth, attractive returns and all‑weather performance, this role offers the opportunity to work as a trusted legal partner in a small, high‑performing in‑house team with strong autonomy and exposure to a broad range of matters.
You’ll collaborate closely with Claims, Underwriting, Distribution and senior stakeholders locally, while also working as part of MetLife’s integrated Global Government and Legal Affairs (GaLA) function.
Key Responsibilities
Provide concise, practical and commercially focused legal advice across claims, underwriting, commercial contracts, marketing, financial services regulation and product distribution.
Support product launches, new distribution arrangements and tenders, including participation in stakeholder and due diligence committees.
Review and amend Product Disclosure Statements (PDS), policy wording and other disclosure and customer‑facing documents.
Advise and partner with the business on regulatory change, compliance obligations and implementation of required business changes.
Assist with governance matters, regulatory reviews, external disputes, complaints management and liaison with external legal firms
Required Qualifications
Admitted lawyer with a law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent) and entitlement to practise in New South Wales.
Minimum 4 years’ experience as a solicitor or legal officer within a law firm, insurer or financial services organisation.
Strong working knowledge of life insurance, corporations and financial services law and regulation.
Proven ability to deliver clear, customer‑centric and pragmatic legal advice in a fast‑paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience partnering closely with Claims and Underwriting teams in a regulated financial services environment.
Exposure to regulatory engagement, governance support and dispute or complaint management.
Experience working within, or alongside, a global legal or matrixed organisation.
Benefits We Offer
When you join MetLife Australia, you are joining a company that demonstrates holistic care and wellbeing for employees with benefits and programs that address physical, mental, social and financial health. We offer life insurance benefits, generous paid parental leave, market leading menopause and fertility leave, car leasing and more. As well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to 360Health medical support, volunteer leave and study assistance.
About MetLife
Recognised on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World’s 25 Best Workplaces™, as well as the Diversity Council of Australia Inclusive Employer Award, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we’re inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it’s #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!
Location
Sydney, New South Wales
Alternative Location(s)
Posting Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Posting Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Working Schedule
Temporary
Work Arrangement
Hybrid
Relocation Assistance Available
No
Posted Date
30-Apr-2026
Job ID
17359
Description and Requirements
The Opportunity
The Legal Counsel is responsible for providing clear, commercial and timely legal advice to support MetLife Australia’s business strategy and mitigate legal risk across the Australian enterprise. Guided by our purpose — always with you, building a more confident future — and our New Frontier strategy focused on stronger growth, attractive returns and all‑weather performance, this role offers the opportunity to work as a trusted legal partner in a small, high‑performing in‑house team with strong autonomy and exposure to a broad range of matters.
You’ll collaborate closely with Claims, Underwriting, Distribution and senior stakeholders locally, while also working as part of MetLife’s integrated Global Government and Legal Affairs (GaLA) function.
Key Responsibilities
Provide concise, practical and commercially focused legal advice across claims, underwriting, commercial contracts, marketing, financial services regulation and product distribution.
Support product launches, new distribution arrangements and tenders, including participation in stakeholder and due diligence committees.
Review and amend Product Disclosure Statements (PDS), policy wording and other disclosure and customer‑facing documents.
Advise and partner with the business on regulatory change, compliance obligations and implementation of required business changes.
Assist with governance matters, regulatory reviews, external disputes, complaints management and liaison with external legal firms
Required Qualifications
Admitted lawyer with a law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent) and entitlement to practise in New South Wales.
Minimum 4 years’ experience as a solicitor or legal officer within a law firm, insurer or financial services organisation.
Strong working knowledge of life insurance, corporations and financial services law and regulation.
Proven ability to deliver clear, customer‑centric and pragmatic legal advice in a fast‑paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience partnering closely with Claims and Underwriting teams in a regulated financial services environment.
Exposure to regulatory engagement, governance support and dispute or complaint management.
Experience working within, or alongside, a global legal or matrixed organisation.
Benefits We Offer
When you join MetLife Australia, you are joining a company that demonstrates holistic care and wellbeing for employees with benefits and programs that address physical, mental, social and financial health. We offer life insurance benefits, generous paid parental leave, market leading menopause and fertility leave, car leasing and more. As well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to 360Health medical support, volunteer leave and study assistance.
About MetLife
Recognised on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World’s 25 Best Workplaces™, as well as the Diversity Council of Australia Inclusive Employer Award, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we’re inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it’s #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Legal Counsel - 12 Month Contract position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Sydney offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
