Associate/Senior Associate Commercial Property

The People Initiative; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The People Initiative represents a premier Canberra law firm seeking an Associate/Senior Associate in Commercial Property. You will handle a broad portfolio including acquisitions, disposals, leases and development, while advising a diverse client base and mentoring junior lawyers.

The role offers ownership of matters, client relationship growth, and involvement in a respected practice in Canberra. Strong drafting, negotiation, and client-facing skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Current Australian practising certificate and experience in private practice.
• Experience at Associate or Senior Associate level in commercial property.
• Strong knowledge of acquisitions, disposals, leasing and related matters.
• Ability to independently manage matters and provide practical advice.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and client communication skills.
• Proactive, collaborative approach and mentoring of juniors.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of commercial property matters including acquisitions, disposals, leasing and development.
• Advise a broad client base including owners, developers, investors, landlords, tenants and corporate entities.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, leases and deeds.
• Conduct due diligence and provide strategic advice on property transactions.
• Manage transactions from instructions to settlement, meeting deadlines and compliance.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, counterparties and lenders.
• Collaborate with colleagues to pursue business development opportunities for the practice.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to a positive team environment.

Skills

Commercial property law

Client management

Drafting & negotiation

Independent matter management

Mentoring juniors

Education

Australian practising certificate

Job description

Associate/Senior Associate Commercial Property

The People Initiative is a recruitment agency changing the game in the industry. Every placement we make creates a positive impact within the not-for-profit community.

We're proud to be partnering with a premier, long-established full-service law firm in Canberra. Known for their deeply rooted community values, exceptional client care and outstanding professional reputation, they are currently seeking an experienced legal professional to join their growing Commercial Property team.

ABOUT US

The People Initiative is a recruitment agency changing the game in the industry. Every placement we make creates a positive impact within the not-for-profit community.

We're proud to be partnering with a premier, long-established full-service law firm in Canberra. Known for their deeply rooted community values, exceptional client care and outstanding professional reputation, they are currently seeking an experienced legal professional to join their growing Commercial Property team.

The Position: Associate / Senior Associate | Commercial Property

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate to join a highly regarded Commercial Property practice in Canberra.

Working closely with the wider Property team, you will play an integral role in advising a diverse range of clients across complex and varied commercial property transactions. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of matters, develop strong client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of an established and well-respected practice.

This role would suit a commercially minded legal professional who enjoys working across a broad range of property matters, is confident managing transactions independently and is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients.

In This Role, You Will:

• Manage a diverse portfolio of commercial property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing, development and property-related transactions.

• Advise a broad client base, including commercial property owners, developers, investors, landlords, tenants and corporate entities.

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, leases, sale and purchase agreements, deeds and other property-related documentation.

• Conduct due diligence and provide strategic legal advice on property transactions, identifying potential risks and delivering practical solutions.

• Manage transactions from initial instructions through to settlement, ensuring deadlines, compliance requirements and client expectations are met.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, counterparties, financial institutions, agents and other professional stakeholders.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the broader firm, contributing to business development opportunities and the continued success of the Commercial Property practice.

• Support and mentor junior lawyers and contribute to a positive, collaborative and high-performing team environment.

About You:

• A current Australian practising certificate and experience working within a private practice environment.

• Experience at Associate or Senior Associate level, with a demonstrated background in commercial property law.

• Strong technical knowledge across commercial property transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing and associated property matters.

• The ability to independently manage matters, oversee transactions and provide commercially focused legal advice.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills, with the confidence to engage directly with clients and key stakeholders.

• A strong understanding of commercial drivers and the ability to identify risks while developing practical, client-focused solutions.

• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to contribute to team development, mentor junior practitioners and support the broader growth of the practice.

• A genuine commitment to building lasting client relationships and delivering high-quality legal services.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to join a highly regarded, long-established Canberra law firm with an excellent professional reputation.

• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace where collaboration and professional development are genuinely encouraged.

• Exposure to a diverse and interesting commercial property practice, working with an established client base.

• The opportunity to take ownership of matters, develop client relationships and play an important role in the continued growth of the team.

• A collaborative environment with experienced practitioners who value initiative, commercial thinking and quality legal work.

• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to further develop your expertise and career.