The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Graduate to join our Planning & Environment team in Brisbane. This is a well-established practice within a national firm, offering stable, long-term support work in a collaborative team environment.

The Role

This is a genuine graduate pathway opportunity designed for a high-performing law student in their final year of study or a recent law graduate who is yet to complete their Practical Legal Training (PLT). We are seeking someone with a genuine interest in Planning & Environmental Law who is eager to learn, develop their skills, and build a long-term career in this specialised area of practice.

Working alongside experienced Principals and senior lawyers, you will gain exposure to a broad range of planning and environmental matters, supporting complex projects involving both the natural and built environment. The role is structured to provide hands-on experience, mentoring and professional development as you complete your studies or progress through PLT and work towards admission.

You will have the opportunity to assist with planning approvals, development projects, environmental compliance, regulatory matters and land use issues, while receiving ongoing guidance and support from experienced practitioners. We are committed to fostering emerging legal talent and providing the practical experience, coaching and support needed to help you establish a strong foundation in planning and environmental law.

About You

• Currently in the final year of a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent law degree), or a recent law graduate with strong academic results.
• Intending to undertake, currently undertaking, or due to commence Practical Legal Training (PLT) as part of your pathway to admission.
• A genuine interest in building a long-term career in planning, environment and property-related law.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and practically.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn from experienced practitioners.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
• An interest in working with developers, businesses, government entities and private clients across a range of planning and environmental matters.
• Previous legal experience through internships, clerkships, volunteering, paralegal work, or exposure to planning, property, local government or environmental law will be highly regarded.
• An interest in interpreting legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and applying them to practical client outcomes

Your New Team

McInnes Wilson’s Planning & Environment team is a distinguished group of legal professionals dedicated to providing exceptional service and delivering successful outcomes for our clients. We are known for our depth of knowledge, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Our team comprises highly skilled solicitors who each bring unique attributes to the team and to the firm. Collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to our approach.

We foster a supportive environment where ideas are shared, expertise is leveraged, and innovative strategies are developed.

You will have the opportunity to work closely with seasoned professionals who are not only leaders in their fields but are also passionate mentors committed to helping you grow and thrive in your career.

About Us

McInnes Wilson is a leading independent full-service firm with offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Maroochydore. The firm has approximately 60 principals and over 400 staff nationally. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality outcomes for our valued clients whilst being recognised as a positive, collegiate place to work. We believe in our people and trust them with our brand.

What We Offer

As a national corporate law firm, we offer exposure to premium clients, large scale, multi-party, complex litigated matters and transparent career pathways, together with a variety of benefits including: generous paid parental leave, paid salary continuance insurance, flexible working, study assistance, pro-bono opportunities, complementary massages, realistic billables targets for legal practitioners, a formal mentoring program, professional memberships, birthday leave, social club, EOFY functions and end of year celebrations.

All applicants should note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo background screening including reference checks and police checks.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our firm. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals who represent the communities in which we live and work. We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us; we are committed to providing an equitable recruitment experience for all candidates.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact the business in relation to this vacancy. Unsolicited CVs will not be considered or accepted.