Environment & Planning Lawyer – Newcastle

SHL; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sparke Helmore is seeking a Lawyer or Associate to join our Environment & Planning practice in Newcastle. You will work with partners on planning and environmental matters spanning resources, property development, local government, and public sectors.

The role involves advising on regulatory frameworks, drafting and negotiating planning agreements, and potentially Land and Environment Court litigation. A collaborative, client-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• 1+ years’ post-admission experience in planning, environment, resources, property law or local government.
• Experience advising on regulatory frameworks and managing complex matters in a client-focused environment.
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical legal advice.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys contributing to a positive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside planning and environment partners, advising clients across resources, property development, local government, and public sectors.
• Advise on a broad range of planning, environmental and regulatory matters, including planning approvals, environmental compliance, litigation, and statutory interpretation.
• Be involved in Land and Environment Court litigation, planning appeals, investigations, and regulatory matters.
• Draft and negotiate planning agreements and provide strategic advice on planning and environmental legislation.
• Partner closely with sophisticated private and government clients, delivering commercially focused and pragmatic legal solutions.

Skills

Planning & Environment Law

Job description

Why Sparke Helmore?

As an independent Australian firm with a long history and a big heart, we have a rich story to tell. Our spirit is built on the power of relationships with our people, clients and communities.

At Sparke Helmore, you’ll be actively involved as part of a diverse, genuine and friendly team. We’ll help you harness your ambition and take your skills to new heights with exposure to outstanding clients and easy access to exceptional leaders and mentors.

Your story is yours to define. We’d like to be part of it and for you to be part of ours.

We have a rare opportunity for a Lawyer or Associate to join our Environment & Planning practice in Newcastle , working for Partners, Alan McKelvey and Naomi Simmons.

More about the role and the team

In this role, you will:

• Work alongside leading planning and environment partners, advising clients across the resources, property development, local government, and public sectors.
• Advise on a broad range of planning, environmental and regulatory matters, including planning approvals, environmental compliance, litigation, and statutory interpretation.
• Be involved in Land and Environment Court litigation, planning appeals, investigations, and regulatory matters.
• Draft and negotiate planning agreements and provide strategic advice on planning and environmental legislation.
• Partner closely with sophisticated private and government clients, delivering commercially focused and pragmatic legal solutions.

More about you

• 1+ years’ post-admission experience in planning, environment, resources, property law or local government.
• Experience advising on regulatory frameworks and managing complex matters in a client-focused environment.
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical legal advice.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys contributing to a positive team culture.

What Sparke Helmore can offer you

Our culture is one which values and celebrates diversity to better represent the communities in which we live and work. We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us - and bring their whole selves to work.

We recognise people value things differently. That’s why our comprehensive benefits program is wide ranging so that everyone can find something that appeals to them. We’re sure you will find something to love about what Sparke Helmore has to offer.

To find out more about what is on offer at Sparke Helmore please visit our website: Join us

We believe the best stories are shared

Background Screening: Successful applications will be subject to pre-employment and in some circumstances, ongoing background checks which include a criminal history check.

For further information regarding this opportunity please contact Nikki Costelloe on [phone].