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: ERP220426
Published: 21 days ago
  • Energy & Resources Partner | Lateral Appointment | Brisbane
  • Strategic Hire | Prestigious National Law Firm
  • Special Counsel with an established client profile is also encouraged to explore this opportunity
  • Highly Partner Earnings $1.2m to $5m+
The Firm & Strategic Direction:

Law Staff is working in collaboration with the Board of this leading national law firm as it expands its Brisbane Energy & Resources capability as part of a broader national growth strategy. The firm is well regarded for:
  • Deep technical capability across the corporate and regulatory disciplines
  • Long-standing relationships with major players in the energy and resources space as well as government entities at both State and Federal levels for renewable projects
  • Lawyers recognised for pragmatic advice, strong commercial judgement, and disciplined management of complex, high-value transactions
With national revenue exceeding the $250 million mark, the Board has prioritised investment into several national industry sectors, with Energy & Resources positioned as a key pillar of future growth.

The Role:

This position would suit an established Partner seeking a new platform for increased earnings or a senior Energy & Resources practitioner preparing for partnership. 

You will play a central role in growing the practice across traditional resources, emerging critical minerals, and the evolving renewable energy transition landscape, including but not limited to:

Resources & Mining:
  • Project development, infrastructure arrangements, and financing structures
  • Negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including exploration, production, O&M, and commodity sales
  • Joint ventures, acquisitions, divestments, and strategic transactions
  • Whole-of-lifecycle advisory for major resources projects
Renewables & Energy Transition:
  • Development and financing of wind, solar, battery storage, and pumped hydro projects
  • Property, leasing, and due diligence structures supporting large-scale energy developments
  • Pipeline infrastructure transactions and ancillary asset acquisitions
  • Tenure, statutory frameworks, procurement, and broader corporate advisory work
Leadership & Market Presence:

Beyond technical delivery, you will:
  • Strengthen and expand key Energy & Resources client relationships
  • Mentor and develop lawyers within the Brisbane practice
  • Contribute to the firm’s growing profile in Queensland and the national energy market
About You

You are likely to be:
  • A current Energy & Resources Partner, or an experienced Special Counsel/Of Counsel ready to step into partnership
  • Practising within a top-tier or mid-tier national law firm environment
  • Bringing a strong reputation and portable client relationships across resources, renewables, or both
  • A collaborative and commercially focused leader with a clear strategy for practice growth
Culture, Flexibility & Sustainable Careers

Unlike many national platforms, this firm is committed to long-term growth in its Partner ranks and its earnings for equity partners. In terms of engagement, you can expect:
  • Flexible or reduced hours where appropriate
  • Hybrid working arrangements across office and remote settings
  • A collaborative partnership culture focused on relationships rather than purely numerical performance metrics
Partner Remuneration

Compensation is tailored to experience, practice profile, and client following. Indicative ranges include:
  • Salaried Partner: $450,000 to $550,000+
  • Equity Partner (mid-point): from approximately $1.2 million to $2 million
  • Full Equity (100 points): well above $4 million, dictated by your Control Fees
Why Engage Law Staff

With over 38 years specialising in legal recruitment, Law Staff has facilitated numerous discreet Partner and team moves across boutique, mid-tier, and top-tier firms. We provide commercially grounded insights into:
  • Financial performance and profitability
  • Partnership structures and equity models
  • Growth strategy and cross-practice integration
  • Lateral hiring trends and expectations
  • Culture, leadership style, and operational dynamics
Our senior advisors also collaborate with Partners in preparing commercially realistic business plans which are released only with your approval to protect your intellectual property.

Confidentiality is paramount:
  • No discussion is had with Board members without your written consent
  • All discussions remain strictly confidential
  • We can provide you with names of Referees who are successfully appointed Partners at prominent mid and top-tier firms. These Partners can give you an indication what it was like dealing with our Senior Client Advisors
Next Steps – Confidential Discussion

We welcome discreet initial conversations, either in person in Brisbane or via Zoom/FaceTime. Make the connection with:

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

Reference: ERP220426

You are welcome to remain anonymous in the early stages.

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