UoN's new General Counsel, Jennifer Flinn

Announcement of General Counsel Appointment

The University is delighted to announce the appointment of our new General Counsel, Jennifer Flinn.

Jennifer joins us with a wealth of experience within the legal profession. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Laws (Hons 1) and Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) from the University of Wollongong, and a Masters of Law from the University of New South Wales. Her first role after graduating was as a Research Associate and Tutor at the Law School of the University of Western Sydney. She then worked as a Judge's Associate at the Industrial Relations Court of Australia and the Federal Court of Australia for 2 years, before entering private practice for 12 years as a corporate solicitor. While in private practice, Jennifer was a Senior Associate in one of Australia's largest law firms, managing teams of lawyers on large pieces of litigation. Prior to joining the University, Jennifer was the General Counsel of a large Queensland based corporation, responsible for the legal function of a group of 6 companies.

The role of General Counsel at UoN leads our Legal Office which comprises in-house solicitors who provide comprehensive legal services to the University.  The Legal Office sits within Council Services and Chancellery, in the Vice-Chancellor's Division. Council Services and Chancellery brings together the University's key governance, regulatory and compliance functions and works to provide the highest standards of professional support to the University, as well as its governing bodies and their committees.

Reporting to Martene Archer, Director, Council Services and Chancellery, Jennifer will have overall responsibility for the provision of legal services, as well as provide valuable advice across a range of matters, including legislative and constitutional matters. Her role also involves providing advice to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive on legal matters of strategic importance.

Jennifer says that she is looking forward to her start date on the 16 September and meeting UoN colleagues.

"I have a passion for education and for providing educational opportunities to people who want to learn despite the barriers they may face, and I am excited to be leading the University's legal team and assisting the University in achieving its goals set out in the NeW Directions Strategic Plan.

"My family are also excited to be moving permanently into the Hunter Region, and completing our mud brick house project based in Wollombi."

Martene said that this key appointment brings the legal team to its full complement and is a critical step towards enhancing the support provided to the University by our legal team.

"I look forward to working with Jennifer to strengthen our Unit's business partnerships and to assist UoN achieve its goals efficiently.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Hawes and Daniel Bell most sincerely for their contributions as Acting General Counsel role over a substantial period at the University, and to acknowledge their ongoing support," Martene said.

We look forward to meeting Jennifer and welcoming her as an important member of our University community.