Location: Brisbane
Discipline: Lawyer, Associate & Senior Associate
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Georgina See

Contact email: Georgina@lawstaff.com.au
Job ref: PE190925
Published: about 2 months ago
A national law firm is looking to welcome an Associate-level lawyer into its Planning & Environment team in Brisbane. This is a standout opportunity to join a growing, high-performing team with a strong pipeline of diverse and high-quality matters spanning planning, infrastructure, environment, and cultural heritage.
  
Led by senior practitioners with top-tier and government backgrounds, the team advises a broad mix of public and private sector clients, including developers, energy providers, infrastructure operators, and government entities.
  
About the Work
This is a genuinely broad role covering both front-end and litigation work, including:
  • Statutory planning matters, including scheme drafting and legal review
  • Development strategy, application structuring, and due diligence across projects in renewables, resources, residential, education, infrastructure, and more
  • Merits appeals, declarations, enforcement, and compliance litigation across P&E Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court
  • Infrastructure agreements and contributions
  • Review of infrastructure plans, charges resolutions, and temporary instruments
  • Infrastructure-related disputes, conversion appeals, and compulsory acquisition
  • Environmental compliance, approvals, licensing, and enforcement
  • Advice on incident response, regulator interaction, and environmental litigation
  • Cultural heritage management, including agreement negotiation and registration.
 Why This Role?
  • Work alongside senior lawyers with top-tier credentials, including recent lateral hires from major firms
  • Direct mentoring from a partner recognised nationally for leadership in the planning profession - known for their commercial insight, interdisciplinary background, and warm, collaborative approach
  • Exposure to high-impact matters in sectors like property development, renewables, and extraction
  • Join a team with a clear vision: to be the best Planning & Environment practice in Brisbane, not the biggest
  • A culture that supports initiative, celebrates a sense of humour, and values contribution at every level
 Plus, enjoy a full range of premium benefits:
  • Newly renovated Brisbane CBD office with excellent facilities
  • Flexible working options, supported by remote tech and a take-home laptop
  • Career development: Paid study leave, tertiary education support, structured mentoring
  • Wellbeing: Corporate rates for gyms, team sports, flu shots, fresh fruit, dietary options
  • Work-Life Hub for family, health, and transition support
  • EAP offering free, confidential counselling
  • 26 weeks paid parental leave (plus super) with no waiting period
  • Pro bono opportunities and social impact involvement
  • A positive, inclusive workplace with team lunches, trivia nights, Friday drinks, and corporate perks
  • Clear, embedded policies on respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Who We’re Looking For
  • Minimum 2+ years PAE in planning and/or environmental law
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • An interest in both advisory and litigation work (prior litigation experience not essential)
  • Backgrounds in private practice or government welcome
  • A collaborative and proactive mindset, with an enthusiasm for learning and contributing within the team.  
APPLY NOW
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a leading Planning & Environment practice, gain mentoring from recognised specialists, and accelerate your career in a supportive and highly respected national firm.
  
If you are interested, please forward your Professional Profile to:
  
Georgina See – georgina@lawstaff.com.au
  
Law Staff | 260 Queen St | Brisbane | (07) 3221 1229
Please note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.