Melbourne, VIC
Role Overview:
An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to join a leading Environment & Planning practice in Melbourne.
The role involves advising major clients across complex regulatory, planning, and environmental matters, with a strong focus on infrastructure, energy, property development, and government-related projects.
The successful candidate will work closely with partners and clients on high-profile, often multi-jurisdictional matters, and will play a key role in mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to the strategic growth of the practice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advise public and private sector clients on environmental and planning law matters, including statutory approvals, compliance, enforcement, and risk management
- Provide strategic advice on major infrastructure, energy, resources, and property development projects
- Act in planning appeals, inquiries, and hearings before courts and tribunals
- Draft and negotiate complex legal documentation, including development approvals, conditions, agreements, and submissions
- Manage matters efficiently, including supervising junior lawyers and coordinating with external consultants and experts
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, contributing to client development and business growth initiatives
- Stay abreast of legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting environment and planning law
- 5–8+ years’ post-admission experience in environment and planning law, ideally gained at a leading law firm or relevant government authority
- Strong technical expertise across Victorian and Commonwealth environmental and planning regimes
- Experience advising on large-scale projects and complex regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to manage matters independently while collaborating effectively within a team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a practical, solutions-focused approach
- A proactive mindset with an interest in mentoring and developing junior team members
- Admitted to practice law in Victoria (or eligible for admission)
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in law; additional qualifications in planning, environment, or related disciplines are advantageous
- High-quality, market-leading work for prominent clients
- A collaborative, inclusive team environment with clear career progression opportunities
- Exposure to some of Australia’s most significant environment and planning matters
- Competitive remuneration and professional development support
