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: ER080126
Published: 1 day ago
Opportunity Snapshot
  • Lateral Partner opportunity – Energy & Resources (Brisbane)
  • National commercial law firm with a well-funded, growth-driven strategy
  • Senior Counsel / Special Counsel with a portable practice also encouraged to apply
  • Market-leading Partner remuneration, flexible start date, and genuine work–life balance
  • Opportunity to lead work across traditional resources and renewable energy
The Firm & Strategic Growth Direction Law Staff is exclusively partnering with the National Board of a high-performing national commercial law firm to support the strategic expansion of its Brisbane Energy & Resources practice.

The firm is widely recognised for:
  • Technical excellence across key commercial and regulatory practice areas
  • Long-standing relationships with blue-chip corporates, mid-market enterprises, and State and Commonwealth government agencies
  • Partners and lawyers known for commercial judgement, clear communication, and disciplined matter management on complex, time-critical transactions
With Queensland revenue exceeding $50 million, the Board is now deliberately strengthening five of its fourteen national industry verticals, with Energy & Resources a core priority.

Role Focus – Energy & Resources Partner (Brisbane) This role suits an established Energy & Resources Partner or a senior Energy & Resources lawyer transitioning into partnership.

You will lead and grow work across traditional resources, critical minerals, and the energy transition, including renewables.
Resources & Mining (Traditional and Critical Minerals) You may lead matters involving:
  • Project development and project finance
  • Complex commercial contracts (exploration, production, O&M, infrastructure access, commodity sale and marketing)
  • Joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and divestments
  • Whole-of-life corporate advisory for major resources projects
Renewable Energy & Energy Transition You may also advise on:
  • Development, financing, and property aspects of wind, solar, pumped hydro, and battery storage projects
  • Due diligence, leasing structures, ground leases, and financier deeds
  • Sale and acquisition of pipeline and ancillary infrastructure
  • Tenure, statutory rights, procurement contracts, and broader corporate advisory work
Leadership & Market Presence In addition, you will:
  • Build and deepen key Energy & Resources client relationships
  • Mentor and develop high-performing lawyers within the Brisbane team
  • Play a visible role in the firm’s Queensland and national energy and resources market presence
You will likely be:
  • A current Energy & Resources Partner, or a highly experienced Special Counsel / Senior Counsel ready for partnership
  • Coming from a mid-tier or top-tier commercial law firm environment
  • Bringing portable client relationships and a strong reputation in resources, renewables, or both
  • A confident, collaborative leader with a disciplined and strategic approach to practice growth and business development
Culture, Flexibility & Work–Life Balance Unlike many national law firm platforms, this firm genuinely supports sustainable Partner careers.

You can expect:
  • Reduced or flexible hours by agreement, where appropriate
  • Hybrid working arrangements across office and remote environments
  • A collegiate, relationship-driven partnership culture – not a purely numbers-based model
Partner Remuneration & Earnings Partner remuneration is aligned to your experience, profile, fee generation, and portable client base.
Indicative ranges:
  • Salaried Partner: $350,000 – $550,000+
  • Equity Partner (mid-point): from approximately $1.2 million
  • Top equity (100 points): well in excess of $4 million, driven by control fees
Why Engage Law Staff for Lateral Partner Moves In a changing legal market, firms that optimise profitability, Partner alignment, and culture are attracting the strongest lateral Partner talent.

With 38 years as specialist legal recruitment consultants, Law Staff has successfully facilitated discreet Partner and team transitions across specialist, mid-tier, and top-tier law firms.

We provide Partners with commercially grounded, data-driven intelligence on:
  • Firm profitability and financial performance
  • Partnership structures and equity distribution
  • Strategic growth priorities and cross-practice alignment
  • Lateral Partner hiring history and expectations
  • Culture, leadership style, and operational dynamics
Our senior advisors also work closely with Partners to develop robust, commercially realistic business plans, structured to protect your interests.
Importantly:
  • No approach is made to any Board, Managing Partner, or CEO without your written consent
  • Absolute confidentiality is maintained at all stages
  • References from successfully placed Partners are available on request
Next Steps – Strictly Confidential Discussion We’re happy to meet in a relaxed, lounge-style setting in Brisbane or via Zoom or FaceTime for an initial confidential conversation.
For an uncompromisingly confidential discussion, contact:
Craig Ashton-Sward
Director & Senior Client Advisor – Law Staff
craig@lawstaff.com.au
0413 743 838 (8:00am – 8:00pm, 7 days)
Please quote REF: ERP080126

You are welcome to remain anonymous initially.
Law Staff – Lateral Partner & Executive Search for the Legal Profession
| Level 4, 260 Queen Street, Brisbane