Senior Property Lawyer - Compulsory Acquisition

About the role

A national commercial law firm is looking for a Senior Property Lawyer to lead the legal delivery of a large compulsory acquisition program across the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, from the first statutory notice through to compensation and disputed claims. The role is permanent and full-time, hybrid, based in Melbourne CBD; Brisbane-based candidates will also be considered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the legal side of a compulsory acquisition program across a portfolio of landholders, running it as a project from first notice through to resolution
• Lead legal delivery end to end, including statutory notices and applications under Victorian energy and land acquisition legislation
• Instruct experts and negotiate compensation offers
• Prepare matters for disputed claims proceedings in VCAT or the Supreme Court
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts, leases and deeds
• Manage each stage of the program with clear tracking and reporting to the client
• Support and guide less experienced members of the team

Required profile

• 8+ years of PAE in property law and a current Australian practising certificate
• Experience in land access, energy, infrastructure or Victorian compulsory acquisition is favourable but not essential
• Ability to run matters autonomously with a high standard of technical accuracy
• Commercial mindset focused on the value delivered to the client
• Interest in client relationships and business development
• Collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to the team

What we offer

• Salary in the range of $175K to $215K ex super
• No timesheets and no individual budgets, judged on outcomes
• Hybrid, flexible working
• End-to-end ownership of the program with real autonomy and a commercial say
• Specialist work at the intersection of property, energy and infrastructure
• A collaborative team with no silos, and the chance to guide less experienced lawyers