Lawyer, Environment & Planning

Montgomery Advisory; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery Advisory in Sydney seeks a lawyer with 2–4 years’ post-admission experience to join a leading Planning & Environment team. The role offers exposure to planning, environmental, and regulatory matters, with mentoring and long-term career development within a collaborative and high-performing environment.

You'll advise state and local government, developers, property owners, and industry participants on a broad range of planning and environmental issues, including appeals, infrastructure

Qualifications

• 2–4 years’ post-admission experience in planning & environment.

Responsibilities

• Advising on planning, environmental and building law matters.
• Acting in appeals and enforcement proceedings before the Planning and Environment Court.
• Drafting and negotiating infrastructure agreements.
• Advising local government clients on governance, rating and regulatory issues.
• Assisting on environmental compliance matters and health prosecutions.
• Providing strategic advice on infrastructure planning and regulatory pathways.
• Advising on water rights, land use and regulatory pathways.
• Supporting clients on due diligence and development approvals.

Skills

Planning & Environment experience

Legal analysis

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Job description

Large, impressive team within a top-tier Australian law firm.

• 2 to 4 years' PAE
• Leading E&P practice
• Full lifecycle of E&P issues

An excellent opportunity is available for a lawyer with 2–4 years’ post-admission experience to join a highly regarded Planning & Environment team in this major Australian law firm's Sydney office.

The E&P team

The team is recognised for its expertise across the full lifecycle of planning and environmental issues, from project feasibility and approvals through to litigation, regulatory compliance and strategic advisory work. This role offers excellent exposure to technically complex matters while providing strong mentoring and long‑term career development within a collaborative and supportive environment.

The Opportunity

Working alongside leading partners and an experienced team of specialists, the successful candidate will advise a high‑calibre client base including State and Local Government, developers, property owners, industry participants, renewable energy companies, builders, financiers, funds and corporate groups on a broad range of planning, environmental and regulatory matters.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Advising on planning, environmental and building law matters
• Acting in appeals and enforcement proceedings before the Planning and Environment Court
• Drafting and negotiating infrastructure agreements
• Advising local government clients on governance, rating and regulatory issues
• Assisting on environmental compliance matters and health prosecutions
• Providing strategic advice on infrastructure planning, infrastructure charges and agreements
• Advising on water rights, land use, environmental approvals and regulatory pathways
• Supporting clients on due diligence, development approvals and broader planning and environmental issues

Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess:

• 2–4 years’ post-admission experience in planning & environment.
• Strong technical legal skills and sound analytical ability
• A genuine client‑focused approach with excellent communication and relationship management skills
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a supportive team environment
• A strong interest in developing a specialist career in planning and environment law
• Initiative, enthusiasm and a commitment to ongoing professional development

This opportunity is ideally suited to a motivated lawyer seeking to build specialist expertise within one of Sydney's leading Planning & Environment practices. The role offers exposure to high‑profile matters, direct access to experienced Partners, a diverse and sophisticated client base, and excellent opportunities for mentoring, career progression and professional growth within a collaborative and high‑performing team.