We are seeking to appoint an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Corporate and Commercial team, with a focus on major projects and infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity to work closely with experienced Principals and senior lawyers in a collaborative and supportive environment, with meaningful client interaction and the opportunity to take ownership of complex matters.
In this role, you will work across a broad range of projects, advising on procurement strategies, tendering processes and contract negotiation, as well as drafting and negotiating key commercial and project documentation. You will be involved in matters spanning multiple sectors, contributing to projects from early planning through to delivery, and supporting clients with practical, commercially focused advice.
This position is ideal for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys working in a fast paced and intellectually engaging environment. You will have the opportunity to further develop your technical expertise, contribute to business development initiatives, and play a key role in mentoring junior team members, all within a team that is committed to your ongoing growth and success.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Drafting and negotiating commercial agreements and related documentation.
- Acting for owners, contractors and government in relation to a broad range of major projects and infrastructure projects in various industry sectors, including local government, State government or Commonwealth government, aged care and retirement living, schools, water infrastructure, housing, waste and resource recovery, and social infrastructure.
- Advising on a range of procurement methods for projects, including general commercial agreements, service agreements, construction (construct only and D&C), relationship contracting (collaborative contracting, managing contractor and alliances), facilities operation and maintenance and related project documentation.
- Drafting standard form tendering and contract documentation.
- Claims management.
- Contributing to business development and marketing activities, as well as legal precedents in Russell Kennedy’s sectors of focus.
- Involvement in the supervision and mentoring of both junior lawyers, and law graduates, fostering their professional development and growth within our team.
- Contributing to the Learning and Development programs at Russell Kennedy, including creating and presenting CPD sessions for others at the firm.
Skills/Knowledge
- Demonstrated experience in procurement projects, ideally in infrastructure, construction or property. Broader procurement and contracting experience is also welcome in other sectors. An interest in developing knowledge and skills in front end construction is also welcome, although not essential.
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas or frameworks clearly.
- Commercially minded with a willingness to work on a diverse range of matters.
- Well-developed initiative, with a demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.
- Well-developed and effective business development skills.
- A self-starter, capable of working independently with limited supervision.
Experience
- 4+ years post admission experience. Candidates with greater experience who are looking to take the next step in their career are also encouraged to apply.
- Experience working in procurement, projects and/or construction legal teams is preferred, however candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in developing their expertise in these areas are also encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated experience in marketing initiatives, business development and client engagement, with the ability to contribute to building and maintaining strong client relationships.
Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Heidi Connell on (03) 9609 1517 or [email protected]. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380 people in Melbourne and Sydney. At Russell Kennedy we are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
We’re committed to making a difference for our clients, providing opportunities for our people, and delivering lasting change for our community. As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle.
At Russell Kennedy, we respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm is dedicated to creating an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. This is regardless of all differences, including culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, age, religion, personal circumstances, physical features, abilities and disabilities, socioeconomics and sexual orientation.
We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. We are committed to being an LGBTIQ-friendly and disability-confident employer. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives including, the Russell Kennedy Women’s Network and our Diversity and Inclusion committee, with three key focuses: Access RK (Accessibility and Disability), Kaleidoscope (Cultural Diversity) and Pride@RK (LGBTIQ).
Russell Kennedy is dedicated to creating and participating in a meaningful process of reconciliation as part of the broader national reconciliation movement. Our key aims in embarking on our first RAP are to celebrate the deep knowledge of First Nations communities, the longest continuing cultures in the world, acknowledge past wrongs and to begin to build a structured future together where we can play our part in righting those wrongs though our own reconciliation initiatives.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting the best talent available and is open to discussing flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments for all of our listed vacancies.
