Senior Legal Counsel

About Our Client

Our client is an internationally owned environmental consultancy that partner with private and public sector companies to navigate sustainable development programmes. With a scientific approach, the firm specialises on Water, Marine and Land programmes looking to minimise environmental impacts from development. They support clients with everything from planning permission through to measuring, mitigating and minimising the environmental impacts.
With five years of rapid growth and investment, the firm is now looking to expand their presence in Australia both through organic and inorganic means. Major programmes in Australia currently include wind farms, landscape mapping and surveys.

Job Description

Acting as the Sole Counsel in Australia, you are responsible for diverse, legal operations from commercial contract review to strategic support to the MD as the business grows and develops. Below is a summary of some key activities, whilst more are explained in the full description:

• Contract Management:
  Negotiate, draft, review, and advise on high-value, complex commercial contracts, ensuring adherence to best practices and processing approvals per governance frameworks.
• Risk and Advisory:
  Identify and escalate contracting risks during negotiations, provide guidance to the business, and report on commercial contract risks in line with group frameworks.
• Bid Support and Training:
  Assist the Bids Team with contract reviews and deviations, and provide training to internal stakeholders on contractual matters.
• Legal Operations and Integration:
  Support legal document automation, integration of new acquisitions, and assist the Head of Legal with corporate law matters and other advisory issues.
• Health and Safety:
  Ensure personal and others' health and safety by utilising provided tools and training, and actively contribute to continuous improvement in health and safety management.

This role reports to a Group Head of Legal based overseas, and you will be part of a group legal team with main responsibility for Australia.

The Successful Applicant

• Admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory and hold a practising certificate issued in an Australian jurisdiction;
  
• Deep knowledge of commercial contract and negotiations, provide commercial support for services.
• 6 + years PAE ideally with extensive experience in commercial contracts for professional services. Experience in professional services consultancy, engineering or environmental services in a notable advantage.
• Experience or understanding of environmental protection legislation is advantageous.
• Open to considering previous in-house counsels or those wishing to move from Private Practice to In-House.

What's on Offer

This company is growing rapidly in Australia and has already demonstrated their commitment to the firm. As the first counsel in Australia, you have the opportunity to shape business growth and collaborate with the senior leadership team.
The role is based in Melbourne with work-from-home options available.
Salary:
$150,000 - $180,000 + super