Location: Brisbane
Discipline: Partner & Special Counsel
Job type: Permanent
Salary: 100 Point Partner Earnings in the multi-7 Figures
Contact name: Craig Ashton-Sward

Contact email: craig@lawstaff.com.au
Job ref: ERP271125
Published: about 4 hours ago
Opportunity Snapshot
  • National commercial law firm with a well-funded, ambitious growth strategy
  • Lateral Partner appointment in Energy & Resources (Senior Counsel / Special Counsel with a portable practice also considered)
  • Market-leading Partner rewards and benefits | Flexible start date | Genuine work–life balance
  
The Firm & Strategic Direction

Law Staff is working exclusively with the National Board of a high-performing national commercial law firm to support the strategic expansion of its Brisbane office.

The firm is highly regarded for:
  • Technical excellence across core practice areas
  • Deep, long-standing relationships with blue-chip corporates, mid-cap businesses, and State/Commonwealth agencies
  • Partners and lawyers recognised for commerciality, clear communication, and disciplined matter management on complex, time-sensitive mandates
Queensland revenue already exceeds $50 million, and the Board is now intentionally strengthening 5 of 14 national industry verticals, with Energy & Resources a key priority.
  
Focus Areas – What You May Lead

As an Energy & Resources Partner (or senior Energy and Resources Lawyer transitioning to partnership), you will drive work across both traditional resources and renewables / energy transition.

Resources (Traditional & Critical Minerals)

You may lead matters involving:
  • Project development and financing
  • Complex commercial contracts (exploration, production, O&M, infrastructure access, commodity sale & marketing)
  • Joint ventures, acquisitions, and divestments
  • Whole-of-life corporate advisory for resources projects
Renewable Energy & Energy Transition

You may also advise across:
  • Development, financing and property aspects for wind, solar, pumped hydro and battery storage projects
  • Due diligence; options to lease or purchase; leases and ground leases; and financier deeds to FC
  • Sale and purchase of pipeline and ancillary infrastructure, tenure / statutory rights, procurement contracts and broader corporate advisory
In addition, you will:
  • Nurture and deepen key client relationships
  • Mentor and develop high-potential lawyers in the Energy & Resources team
  • Play a visible role in the firm’s market presence across the energy and resources sector in Queensland and nationally
Your Background

You will likely be:
  • A current Partner, or an experienced Special Counsel/Senior Counsel ready to step up, ideally coming from a mid-tier or top-tier environment.
  • Bringing portable client relationships and a strong reputation for high-quality Energy & Resources work(traditional resources, renewables, or both)
  • A confident leader with a collaborative style and a structured, disciplined approach to business development and practice growth
  
Culture & Flexibility

Unlike many national platforms, this firm genuinely promotes work–life balance.

You can expect:
  • Reduced hours by agreement where appropriate
  • Hybrid working across office and remote arrangements, where it supports client delivery
  • A collegiate, relationship-driven partnership culture rather than a “numbers-only” environment
  
Remuneration – Partner Earnings
Remuneration is directly aligned to your profile, fee generation and portable client base.
  • Salaried Partner: $350,000 – $550,000+
  • Equity Partner (mid-point): from $1.2M
  • Top equity (100 points): well above $4M, driven by Control Fees
  
Why Engage Law Staff

In a shifting legal market, firms that optimise profitability, partner alignment and culture are becoming magnets for lateral Partner moves.

With 38 years as specialist consultants to the legal profession, Law Staff has facilitated discreet Partner and team movements into specialist, mid-tier and top-tier law firms. We provide practical, data-driven market intelligence on:
  • Profitability by firm
  • Partnership structures and equity distribution
  • Growth strategies and cross-practice alignment
  • Lateral hire / transition history and expectations
  • Culture, leadership styles and nuanced operating dynamics
Our senior advisors also work with Partners to craft tight, commercially relevant business plans – timed and structured to protect your interests.
Importantly:
  • We will not approach any Board, Managing Partner or CEO until you have completed your own due diligence and provided written consent
  • Absolute confidentiality is maintained at every stage
  • References from placed Partners are available on request
  
Next Steps – Confidential Partner Discussion

We’re happy to meet in a relaxed lounge-style setting in Brisbane or via FaceTime/Zoom – whatever is most comfortable for an initial strictly confidential discussion.

For an uncompromisingly confidential conversation, contact:

Craig Ashton-Sward
Director & Senior Client Advisor – Law Staff
 craig@lawstaff.com.au
0413 743 838 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm, 7 days)

Please quote REF: ERP271125

You’re welcome to remain anonymous initially.

Law Staff – Lateral Partner & Executive Search for the Legal Profession
| Level 4, 260 Queen Street, Brisbane