Front End Construction Lawyer

Michelle Sneesby - Founder and Managing Partner; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

empire group in Melbourne is seeking a Construction & Projects Lawyer (3+ PQE) to join a tight, well‑respected construction and projects team. The role emphasises front‑end drafting, commercial input and project work, with some back‑end matters in the mix.

You will work directly with expert Partners who are mentors, and handle a broad mix of contracts and development agreements while enjoying flexible WFH within a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of post‑qualification experience in construction and projects law.
• Experience drafting construction contracts and project agreements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare construction contracts, Project Management and Development Management Agreements and tripartite agreements for financiers.
• Draft contractor terms and conditions.
• Draft and negotiate subcontractor and consultant agreements.
• Advise on civil works, residential, commercial and industrial projects.
• Exposure to multi-storey, multi-unit, and mixed-use developments.
• Support on construction dispute matters when required.
• Collaborate with owners, developers, contractors and owners corporations.

Skills

Front-end drafting

Contract drafting

Client relationship management

Job description

Construction & Projects Lawyer (3+ PQE)

• Front‑End Focus
• Some Back‑End
• Mid‑Tier, hybrid

This role sits in a tight, well‑respected construction and projects team and is ideal for a lawyer who enjoys front‑end drafting, commercial input and project work, with some back‑end matters in the mix.

You will work directly with expert Partners, who are steady, kind and genuinely great mentors.

The Work

You will work across a broad mix of front‑end construction and project matters, including:

• Preparing construction contracts, Project Management and Development Management Agreements as well as drafting tripartite agreements for financiers
• Drafting contractor terms and conditions
• Drafting and negotiating subcontractor and consultant agreements
• Advising on civil works, residential, commercial and industrial projects
• Exposure to multi‑storey, multi‑unit, and mixed‑use developments
• Supporting on construction dispute matters when required
• Working with owners, developers, contractors and owners corporations

This is a role with real variety and strong client access. Salary is highly competitive; there are flexible arrangements regarding WFH and the firm subscribes to a hybrid model.

Company: empire group
Date posted: 7th Oct, 2026