Kirsten Dilena is the Principal Lawyer and Director at DLC Legal and Defence Tender Consulting, with over 20 years of experience in providing commercial and legal services across various industries, including Defence, cyber, aviation, mining, and construction. Kirsten's vast expertise aids Executive Leaders and Boards in reaching organisational goals through strategic solutions that facilitate growth and successful outcomes. Her team of seasoned lawyers and procurement specialists is dedicated to comprehending each client's unique business aspects, enabling the delivery of bespoke, practical solutions. Their proficiency encompasses commercial strategy, contract management, compliance and governance, procurement, and tendering, alongside regulatory compliance. A key strength is their ability to simplify complex legal requirements and communicate them effectively at every organisational level. Kirsten is passionate about driving cross-functional teams to contribute significantly and innovatively to strategic initiatives. Her leadership style is rooted in ethics, integrity, and empathy, flourishing in environments that value innovation. Throughout her career, Kirsten has held foundational roles in various capacities, such as Director at Elite Commercial Advisory and General Counsel at Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd. She has provided legal and commercial guidance in the aviation and mining sectors, supporting a diverse clientele through strategic advice and process development. Her earlier experiences include serving as Deputy General Counsel at Airservices Australia and a Commercial Manager at Raytheon Australia, where she was instrumental in managing large-scale budgets, advising Boards, and negotiating complex agreements. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Adelaide and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of New England, alongside a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Society of South Australia. Her extensive background underpins her ability to deliver insightful commercial advice and transformative legal solutions.
Director
DLC Legal
Sep 2021 - Present • 5 years 2 months
General Counsel
Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd
Sep 2017 - Mar 2022 • 4 years 6 months
Director
Elite - Legal + Advisory
Feb 2017 - Jan 2022 • 4 years 11 months
Founder and Director
Defence Tender Consulting
Feb 2017 - Present • 9 years 9 months
Director
Elite Commercial Advisory Pty Ltd
Feb 2017 - Sep 2022 • 5 years 7 months
Senior Advisor
Proximity
Aug 2015 - Feb 2017 • 1 year 6 months
Deputy General Counsel, and other positions
Airservices Australia
Apr 2012 - Aug 2015 • 3 years 4 months
Commercial Manager and Board Secretary
Raytheon Australia
Sep 2008 - Mar 2012 • 3 years 6 months
SA President and National Board Director
Association of Corporate Counsel
Aug 2008 - Nov 2011 • 3 years 3 months
Solicitor, Intellectual Property and Commercial Law
University of South Australia
Sep 2005 - Sep 2008 • 3 years
Solicitor, Commercial Law
Dean Kath Kohler Solicitors
Mar 2005 - Sep 2005 • 6 months
Lawyer, Local Government Practice
Norman Waterhouse
Sep 2004 - Jan 2005 • 4 months
Law Clerk
Victoria Chambers
Apr 2003 - Sep 2004 • 1 year 5 months
Law Clerk
Cole Solicitors
May 2002 - May 2003 • 1 year
Legal Assistant/Law Clerk
Crown Solicitors Office
May 2001 - May 2002 • 1 year
Paralegal
Herbert Smith
Jan 2000 - Jan 2001 • 1 year
Graduate Diploma , Legal Practice
Law Society of South Australia
2004
Bachelor of Arts - BA (Honours)
University of New England (AU)
2003
Bachelor of Laws - LLB (Honours)
University of Adelaide
2001 - 2003
Last checked: 11 Mar 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society
