Position Title: Legal Counsel
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Reports To: Managing Director
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced General Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team, providing strategic legal advice and support across our property development, design & construction and sales operations. This role will be instrumental in managing legal risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the successful delivery of residential and commercial property projects across Sydney and New South Wales.
Key Responsibilities
Property Development & Planning You will provide comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of property development, including site acquisitions, due diligence, development applications, planning agreements, and dealings with local councils and state government agencies. You will draft and negotiate development agreements, joint venture arrangements, and other commercial arrangements relating to property development projects.
Construction Contracts You will review consultant agreements and advise on contractual disputes, variations and defects liability issues, and manage the resolution of construction-related disputes through negotiation, mediation, or other dispute resolution processes.
Regulatory Compliance You will ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Strata Schemes Development Act, Home Building Act, Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act, and Work Health and Safety legislation. You will monitor changes in property, construction, and planning legislation and advise the business on implications and required actions.
Commercial & Property Transactions You will draft and negotiate sale contracts, options to purchase, heads of agreement, and other property transaction documents. You will advise on strata title matters, subdivision, consolidation, and easements, and manage relationships with external legal advisors where specialist advice is required.
Finance & Investment Structuring You will provide legal support for bank lending arrangements, loan facilities, and security documentation including mortgages, guarantees, and general security agreements. You will advise on investment structures for property development projects, including equity arrangements, unit trusts, and syndication structures, and review and negotiate finance facility agreements and related documentation with financial institutions.
Risk Management & Litigation You will identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across development and construction activities. You will manage and coordinate external litigation and dispute resolution proceedings, and provide strategic advice on dispute avoidance and resolution strategies.
Corporate Support You will provide general corporate and commercial legal support including reviewing marketing materials, advising on corporate governance matters, and supporting the business with contract templates, policies, and procedures.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential Requirements
• Admission to practice as a solicitor in New South Wales with current practicing certificate
• Minimum 5 years post-admission experience with at least 3 years practicing in property development and construction law
• Strong technical knowledge of NSW planning, property, and construction legislation and case law
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial and construction contracts
• Experience with property sales transactions and off-the-plan sales arrangements
• Knowledge of property development funding structures and investment arrangements
• Experience with bank lending facilities, security documentation, and finance agreements
• Understanding of investment structuring for property development projects
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, commercial legal advice to senior management
• Strong risk management and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships across all levels
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Desirable Requirements
• Previous in-house legal experience in property development or construction sector
• Experience with residential strata developments and the Strata Schemes legislation
• Knowledge of building defects litigation and construction dispute resolution
• Understanding of project finance structures, syndication arrangements, and investor documentation
• Familiarity with Corporations Act requirements for managed investment schemes and fundraising
• Experience with debt and equity structuring for property projects
• Familiarity with environmental and sustainability issues in property development
Personal Attributes
You are a pragmatic and commercially minded lawyer who can balance legal risk with business objectives. You are proactive, solutions-focused, and able to communicate complex legal concepts in clear, accessible language. You thrive in collaborative environments and can build strong working relationships with developers, project managers, contractors, and external stakeholders. You demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while managing competing deadlines.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience
• Professional development opportunities
• Exposure to diverse and challenging property development projects
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Modern Chatswood office location
Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, to diana@hyecorp.com.au
