Lawyer / Associate – Construction (3+ years PQE)

Longton Blackwell; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct client contact

Mentoring & professional development

Collaborative team culture

Career progression

Job summary

Longton Blackwell in Sydney CBD is seeking an experienced Lawyer/Associate (3+ years PQE) to join our construction team and expand our NSW and interstate work. You will advise on complex matters across the full project lifecycle, including drafting and negotiating contracts, handling variations, and pursuing secure payment outcomes for clients.

You will enjoy direct client contact, collaborate with senior partners, and contribute to building the construction practice within a growing national

Qualifications

• 3+ years' PQE in construction law (private practice or in-house).
• Admission as an Australian Lawyer with NSW practising certificate (or eligible).
• Experience with construction contracts and/or claims and disputes.
• Ability to manage matters across the project lifecycle and multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Take carriage of own construction matters from instruction to completion.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction contracts and related project documents.
• Advise clients through project lifecycle on contract administration, variations and termination.
• Help with security of payment matters and adjudication across Australian jurisdictions.
• Support with construction claims and disputes in coordination with related practice groups.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to building the practice in NSW and interstate.

Skills

PQE in construction

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Client communication

Legal research

Cross-state collaboration

Job description

Lawyer / Associate – Construction (3+ years PQE)

Lawyer / Associate – Construction Law (3+ years PQE)

Longton Blackwell | Sydney CBD

Longton Blackwell is seeking an experienced Lawyer / Associate (3+ years PQE) to join our Sydney team and expand our construction work.

This is an excellent opportunity for a construction lawyer who wants broad exposure across the full project lifecycle, from contract drafting and negotiation through to claims and dispute resolution. You will work closely with our senior lawyers and principals on construction matters across New South Wales and other states and territories, for head contractors, subcontractors, developers, owners and consultants.

Our capabilities span Property Law, Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Business Advisory, Banking and Finance, Employment Law, Taxation Law, and more. This breadth means you will work alongside colleagues in related practice groups on matters that cross disciplines.

About the Role

Longton Blackwell is seeking an experienced Lawyer / Associate (3+ years PQE) to join our Sydney team and expand our banking and finance work.

This is an excellent opportunity for a construction lawyer who wants broad exposure across the full project lifecycle, from contract drafting and negotiation through to claims and dispute resolution. You will work with our construction practice leader in Queensland, as part of a national construction practice, and you will also have real carriage of your own matters, direct client contact and the chance to help shape the practice in New South Wales and other states.

You will be supported by our principals and senior lawyers across related practice areas, including property, commercial litigation and dispute resolution, and will work with them on matters that cross disciplines. You will act on construction matters across New South Wales and other states and territories, for head contractors, subcontractors, developers, owners and consultants.

Key Responsibilities

• Take carriage of your own construction matters from instructions through to completion.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts, consultant appointments and related project documents, including Australian Standard and bespoke forms.
• Advise clients through the life of a project on contract administration, including variations, extensions of time, delay, defects, notices, payment and termination.
• Act in security of payment matters, including payment claims, payment schedules and adjudication, across Australian jurisdictions.
• Assist with construction claims and disputes, including negotiation, mediation, adjudication and litigation, working with our dispute resolution and commercial litigation teams.
• Advise on construction-related issues in property, development and finance transactions.
• Work on interstate matters, sharing precedents, knowledge and clients.
• Work with and develop paralegals and junior lawyers who support your matters.
• Maintain accurate file records and ensure compliance with professional obligations and firm procedures.
• Contribute to building the construction practice, including client relationships, precedents and processes.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Admission as an Australian Lawyer, with a current NSW practising certificate (or eligibility for one).
• 3+ years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in construction law, gained in private practice or an in-house legal team.
• Experience in construction contracts, and/or construction claims and disputes, with a willingness to work across the project lifecycle.
• A working knowledge of construction law and security of payment legislation, and an ability to work with the requirements of other Australian jurisdictions.
• The ability to run matters independently, using sound commercial and legal judgement, and to know when to escalation.
• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• A collaborative approach, including comfort working with colleagues in another state.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding client service.
• Experience working in a small or developing team is highly regarded.

What We Offer

• Early responsibility, direct client contact and exposure to a diverse range of matters and clients.
• Ongoing mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Clear pathways for career progression.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counselling and wellbeing support for employees and their immediate family members.
• The opportunity to be part of a growing national law firm with ambitious goals.