Legal Counsel - Environment & Planning

Hays is seeking a Legal Counsel - Environment & Planning in North Sydney, Australia. The role involves providing legal support for the Local Council, focusing on litigation and advisory in environment and planning law. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of post-admission experience. The position offers an attractive salary, extra leave entitlements, and flexibility to work from home as part of a supportive in-house team.
Legal Counsel | Environment & Planning in Sydney

Your new company

This Local Council has experienced significant growth since its formation in 2016 and is committed to promoting sustainable growth, leading the community, protecting the environment and creating a great future for the residents in the area it governs. They are now looking for a Legal Counsel to join its small in-house team to provide legal support across a wide range of Council activities.

Your new role

Reporting into the General Counsel and working with another experienced lawyer and support staff, you will assist the legal team in protecting and advancing the interests of the Council across various matters, across both litigation and transactional matters.

Your duties will include:
• supporting the Council with litigation matters across a number of jurisdictions, including the Land & Environment Court, Supreme Court of NSW, District Court and Local Court;
• Advising the Council on various environment & planning law matters and legislative responsibilities under relevant legislation;
• Experience in managing Class 1 and Class 4 appeals on behalf of the Council at various courts;
• providing advice on property and commercial matters, including but not limited to contracts and tenders, leases and licences, deeds and easements/covenants;
• conducting legal research, preparing reports and maintaining legal precedents;
• managing external counsels and panel firms as required.

What you'll need to succeed
• Minimum of 10 years PAE (Post Admission Experience).
• Previous experience in environment and planning matters.
• Exposure to administrative law matters is ideal.
• Additional experience in commercial and property law matters is highly regarded.
• Ability to work relatively autonomously.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities.
• Customer-centric approach.

What you'll get in return

This is an amazing opportunity for a lawyer with environment & planning experience to join a high-performing in-house team within an organisation that prioritises the wellbeing of its people. You will be rewarded with an attractive salary package, extra leave entitlements (including 3 weeks' personal leave which accrues from year to year and 2 days wellbeing leave), flexibility arrangements and the opportunity to work from home. You will be supported by well-regarded and experienced colleagues and have the opportunity to develop your legal skills across a broad range of subject matter areas.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click Apply Now to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively you can email your CV to Mahima at mahima.gherani@hays.com.au or call at +61282269756 for a confidential discussion.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.