Development Lawyer

About the role

Full-time, 5-year fixed term contract at the Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements. Competitive senior-level remuneration, commensurate with experience. Provide strategic legal advice on complex property, construction, environmental and planning matters across the University.

Key responsibilities

• Take end-to-end ownership of a complex portfolio of property, construction, environmental and planning legal matters.
• Establish legal strategies, manage institutional risk and deliver commercially sound outcomes aligned with University objectives.
• Lead the structuring, drafting, negotiation and settlement of complex contracts, project documentation, agreements, disputes and memoranda of understanding.
• Guide property transactions and major project opportunities, establishing appropriate legal, commercial and governance structures.
• Advise on legislation, regulatory reviews, University policies and compliance initiatives, while managing external legal service providers for timely and cost-effective outcomes.
• Support the capability of the Office of General Counsel by mentoring junior lawyers and paralegals and sharing specialist knowledge.

Required profile

• A law degree or equivalent qualification and registration, or eligibility for registration, to practise law in New South Wales.
• An unrestricted New South Wales practising certificate, or the ability to obtain one before commencement.
• At least seven years’ post‑admission experience, including substantial property, construction, environmental and planning law experience.
• Demonstrated experience across property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing, licensing, easements and covenants.
• Strong commercial judgement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to advise senior and non‑legal stakeholders.

What we offer

• Financial benefits: access to staff‑only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: long day care and early learning services at Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta and Penrith campuses, with discounted fees and salary packaging subject to capacity.