Senior Associate / Special Counsel - Property Law

Senior Associate / Special Counsel - Property Law Posted On 27/01/2026

Job Information Legal

Work Experience 5+ years

City Melbourne

State/Province Victoria

3000

Job Description About the firm

Our client is a mid‑sized Melbourne commercial law firm, established in the 80's. The firm’s team of experienced principals and lawyers combines legal expertise, commercial insight and creative thinking to deliver clear, strategic outcomes for clients across multiple sectors. The firm values collaboration, integrity, quality, diversity and wellbeing, and fosters an ambitious, supportive, client‑focused culture.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic legal counsel on complex development projects, large-scale commercial property acquisitions, disposals, and large tenancy structuring for high-profile projects such as skyscrapers and major business precincts.

Offer expert advice on sophisticated property transactions, including structuring of major land acquisitions, site assembly, and risk allocation for multi‑faceted development schemes.

Draft, review, and negotiate high‑value development agreements, complex joint venture arrangements, land acquisition contracts, conditional contracts, and specialized escrow arrangements tailored to large‑scale projects.

Provide guidance on large commercial leasing arrangements, including multi‑tenancy developments, leasing frameworks for office towers, retail podiums, and industrial estates; lease documentation, variation agreements, rent reviews, restructuring, and enforcement.

Manage extensive due diligence processes involving title investigations, complex planning and zoning compliance, easements, covenants, native title considerations, and environmental assessments in close coordination with planning and environmental specialists.

Lead negotiations and project management for large‑scale property developments, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including valuers, planners, surveyors, financiers, and government authorities.

Advise on finance arrangements, large‑scale project funding, and security interests, including mortgage documentation, securities, and guarantor arrangements in collaboration with banking and finance teams.

Represent clients in high‑stakes dispute resolution, including mediations, expert determinations, and litigation related to development approvals, planning disputes, or property rights issues.

Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and conveyancers, oversee project timelines and budgets, and deliver commercially astute advice aligned with large project objectives.

Candidate Requirements

7+ years’ post‑admission experience in property law, with significant exposure to large‑scale commercial developments, complex property transactions, and project structuring.

Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating agreements related to major property acquisitions, development contracts, leasing arrangements for high‑rise buildings, and complex security instruments.

Strong commercial judgment, exceptional attention to detail, and proven ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines.

Excellent negotiation, strategic advice, and client management skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex legal issues within large‑scale property development contexts.

Familiarity with Victorian planning processes, land title systems, environmental considerations, and large project compliance requirements is highly desirable.

A proactive, team‑oriented approach, with the capability to take ownership of high‑profile matters and contribute to practice growth.

What the firm offers

Competitive salary and benefits package

Bonus / Commission structure for billings above budget

Referral Commission for matters introduced the wider firm

Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development

Supportive, collaborative culture that values work–life balance and wellbeing

Exposure to a broad client base and access to senior lawyers

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