Foreign Legal Adviser

Longton Blackwell; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Longton Blackwell in Australia seeks an experienced Foreign Legal Adviser to assist Australian-qualified lawyers on cross-border matters and foreign legislation. You will conduct in-depth research, prepare opinions, and liaise with overseas practitioners to manage risks across jurisdictions.

Mandarin language skills are desirable but not essential, and you will engage with international clients and complex matters. This is a challenging role within a leading independent firm.

Qualifications

• Law degree and relevant legal qualifications.
• Minimum 3 years in a legal adviser role; APAC experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of foreign jurisdictions' law and cross-border legal issues.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication; Mandarin desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support Australian-qualified lawyers on international and cross-border matters.
• Collaborate with overseas practitioners to identify foreign law issues and risks.
• Conduct detailed legal research into foreign legislation and authorities.
• Provide advice on recognition and enforcement of foreign orders and judgments.
• Prepare written opinions, memoranda and research reports on complex foreign law.
• Assess legal risks and help develop strategies for international matters.

Skills

Legal research

English proficiency

Cross-border advisory

Education

Law degree

Admission to practise

Tools

Westlaw/LexisNexis

Job description

Longton Blackwell is a leading independent corporate law firm in Australia. Our experienced lawyers are passionate about delivering tailored legal services to a wide range of clients, providing trusted guidance through intricate legal matters with confidence and precision.

We are committed to excellence and have established a reputation as a trusted adviser to Australian and international clients. Our clients rely on us to navigate Australia's legal landscape while addressing complex legal issues involving multiple jurisdictions. Due to continued growth and the significant proportion of clients who prefer to communicate in Mandarin, we are seeking an experienced Foreign Legal Adviser to join the group.

About the Role

The role will support our Australian-qualified lawyers in matters involving foreign legislation and cross-border legal issues. The role will contribute to a broad range of international and cross-border matters, including International Issues, Enforcement of Orders, estates involving Overseas Assets, and other matters where an understanding of foreign legislation is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate legal matters involving international and cross-border issues across multiple jurisdictions to support the effective progression of matters.
• Collaborate with Australian lawyers, overseas legal practitioners and other professional advisers to identify and address foreign law issues, assess relevant legal risks and developments, and support informed decision‑making in international client matters.
• Conduct detailed and independent legal research into foreign legislation, regulations, case law, legal authorities and relevant legal developments applicable to client matters.
• Research and provide advice to the firm’s lawyers on the legal requirements and procedures governing the recognition, enforcement and effect of orders, judgments and legal documents across different jurisdictions.
• Prepare clear, well‑reasoned written legal opinions, memoranda and research reports on complex points of foreign law, including analysis of the application and implications of foreign legal principles to particular matters.
• Analyse relevant foreign legal authorities and provide written assessments of potential legal risks, liability issues and relevant legal considerations to assist the firm’s lawyers in developing appropriate strategies for international matters.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• A law degree and relevant legal qualifications.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in a legal adviser or similar legal role, preferably with experience involving the Asia-Pacific region.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the legislation and legal systems of one or more foreign jurisdictions.
• Strong written and verbal legal communication skills in English. Mandarin language skills are desirable, but not essential, and would assist in communicating effectively with Mandarin‑speaking clients and professional contacts.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work with an experienced team of Australian legal professionals.
• Exposure to a diverse range of international and cross-border legal matters.
• The opportunity to contribute to complex matters involving international clients, foreign legislation and overseas assets.

If you are an experienced legal professional with strong foreign law research and written advisory skills and are interested in working on complex international matters, we would welcome your application.