Junior Legal Counsel (Commercial)
Hatch
Legal
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted on May 15, 2026
This is a Junior Legal Counsel (Commercial) role with McDonald's based in Sydney, NSW, AU
== McDonald's ==
Role Seniority - junior, mid level, graduate
More about the Junior Legal Counsel (Commercial) role at McDonald's
Job Description
McDonald’s Australia is the largest quick service restaurant operation in the country. Fondly known as “Macca's”, we have been a household name in Australia for over 50 years, we believe that our customers are the heart and soul of everything we do and make it our mission to make every moment count! As an employer of choice winner time and time again, working with us means taking pride and having fun along the way; while growing and developing your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Could you be our next Junior Legal Counsel (Commercial)?
McDonald’s Australia has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their career as Junior Legal Counsel, joining our Corporate Commercial Legal team. This role is well suited to someone early in their legal career who is looking to broaden their in‑house experience while supporting a fast‑moving, customer‑focused business. You’ll work closely with senior legal counsel and internal stakeholders, helping the business navigate legal risk while enabling commercially sound outcomes.
What You Can Expect On a Day-to-day Basis
As an equal opportunity employer, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you have a disability, illness or injury and need adjustments during the recruitment process, we’re here to help, just reach out to start the conversation.
Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the McDonald's team will be there to support your growth.
🟢 Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined 🟢
Key Responsibilities
A Final Note: This is a role with McDonald's not with Hatch.
== McDonald's ==
Role Seniority - junior, mid level, graduate
More about the Junior Legal Counsel (Commercial) role at McDonald's
Job Description
McDonald’s Australia is the largest quick service restaurant operation in the country. Fondly known as “Macca's”, we have been a household name in Australia for over 50 years, we believe that our customers are the heart and soul of everything we do and make it our mission to make every moment count! As an employer of choice winner time and time again, working with us means taking pride and having fun along the way; while growing and developing your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Could you be our next Junior Legal Counsel (Commercial)?
McDonald’s Australia has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their career as Junior Legal Counsel, joining our Corporate Commercial Legal team. This role is well suited to someone early in their legal career who is looking to broaden their in‑house experience while supporting a fast‑moving, customer‑focused business. You’ll work closely with senior legal counsel and internal stakeholders, helping the business navigate legal risk while enabling commercially sound outcomes.
What You Can Expect On a Day-to-day Basis
- Reviewing marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns for legal risk
- Supporting customer enquiries, complaints and escalations
- Assisting with subpoena requests and document coordination
- Supporting company secretarial activities, corporate compliance and record‑keeping
- Conducting legal research and drafting for general commercial matters
- Managing legal templates, registers and internal legal processes
- Identifying potential risks and contributing to practical, business‑focused solutions
- Partnering with stakeholders across Marketing, Customer Experience, Operations and Corporate Services
- 1-3 years post‑qualification experience or a recent law graduate who has completed (or is completing) PLT
- Eligible for admission as an Australian lawyer
- Strong communication skills with excellent attention to detail
- Organised, proactive and capable of juggling multiple priorities
- Curious, adaptable and eager to grow in an in‑house legal role
- Collaborative in style, with the confidence to work independently when required
- Experience in a law firm environment is desirable but not essential
- Competitive Remuneration Package. We offer a total reward package of base salary, health care and a target incentive bonus plan.
- 5 Weeks of Annual Leave. Switch off and recharge or explore your passions outside of work with an additional week of annual leave each calendar year.
- Flexible Work Environment. Our teams have embraced a hybrid working model, balancing working remotely and connecting in the office to support our people and how they best add value.
- Paid Parental Leave. We proudly support growing families with paid parental leave top-up options, helping you take the time you need while maintaining financial stability.
- Birthday & Volunteer Leave. Enjoy a day-off during your birthday month and 3 days annually to volunteer for a registered charity you are passionate about.
- Ongoing Professional Development. We are committed to developing our people by investing in leadership programs and free access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Macca’s Staff Discount & Retail Discounts. Enjoy discounted Macca’s at any restaurant across Australia and access to hundreds of retail discounts.
- Access To Our 24/7 Wellbeing Partner (Sonder) For You & Your Immediate Family. Using the Sonder app, access free and confidential safety, medical and mental health support via chat or phone with accredited professionals.
- A Fun & Vibrant Culture. Immerse yourself in local and Macca’s only events and experiences from day one of working with us.
As an equal opportunity employer, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you have a disability, illness or injury and need adjustments during the recruitment process, we’re here to help, just reach out to start the conversation.
Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the McDonald's team will be there to support your growth.
🟢 Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined 🟢
Key Responsibilities
- 📢 Reviewing marketing campaigns
- 📞 Supporting customer enquiries
- 📚 Conducting legal research
- 🗣️ Strong communication skills
- 🔍 Attention to detail
- 📅 Organisational skills
- ⚖️ Experience in a law firm environment
- 🌱 Curiosity and adaptability
- 🤝 Collaborative mindset
A Final Note: This is a role with McDonald's not with Hatch.