In-House Construction Lawyer

About the role

A long-established specialist construction subcontractor, which delivers projects across four states mainly for Tier 1-3 main contractors, is creating a dedicated in-house Legal Counsel role. Until now its contract work was handled part-time; the new role sits at the Botany head office and gives the holder direct access to senior management and real influence over how risk is managed.

Key responsibilities

• Review and negotiate design and construct subcontracts with main contractors
• Prepare departure tables, draft special conditions and negotiate amendments
• Identify, assess and mitigate contractual risk
• Review warranties, deeds and other associated documents
• Take negotiations through to final agreement and execution
• Develop and implement internal commercial risk assessment and approval procedures
• Run internal project contractual risk review meetings
• Report to management on negotiation progress, outstanding issues, material risks and matters needing approval or escalation
• Brief and manage external legal advisers on complex or specialist matters, including their advice and costs

Required profile

• Admitted with about 3-5 years' PQE, with a current practising certificate permitting unsupervised in-house practice
• Sound knowledge of construction contract conditions, typical subcontract departures and risk allocation
• Strong drafting, communication and negotiation skills
• Practical commercial judgement and a level-headed approach to resolving contractual issues
• Able to work independently and set up practical internal processes
• Experience acting for construction subcontractors is advantageous; façade industry experience is not required

What we offer

• Salary of $120,000-$150,000 plus superannuation
• Full-time or permanent part-time (3 days per week)
• On-site working arrangement initially, based at the Botany head office
• The chance to build a legal function rather than inherit one

To apply, candidates can contact the recruiter directly by phone or email.