Legal Counsel

GHD; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD’s NSW/ACT Legal team is seeking a Legal Counsel to join a collaborative in-house group. You will support major infrastructure projects across NSW and the ACT, guided by senior lawyers and mentors. This is ideal for a private practice lawyer moving in-house or an early-career in-house lawyer expanding experience.

You’ll engage across procurement, contracts, risk and compliance, gaining exposure to a broad lifecycle of projects in a dynamic, client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Current Practising Certificate required.
• Approximately 2–4 years post-qualification experience in law firm or in-house.
• Experience in commercial, construction or general corporate law.
• Experience drafting and reviewing commercial contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain legal concepts to non-lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft and assist with negotiating consultancy, professional services, subconsultant and other commercial agreements.
• Provide clear and practical legal advice to technical and operational teams.
• Support Project Directors and Project Managers with contract finalisation, execution and project delivery issues.
• Assist bid and tender teams with contract reviews, proposed departures and commercial risk advice.
• Advise on variations, notices, claims and early dispute avoidance.
• Assist with professional indemnity claims, insurer notifications, disputes and litigation.
• Advise on government procurement, probity, conflicts of interest and confidentiality obligations.
• Support the business on employment, privacy, IP, governance and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with project leaders on contract negotiations and contribute to templates and guides.
• Utilise AI-supported legal tools to improve processes.

Skills

Practising Certificate

2-4 years PQE

Commercial law

Construction law

Contract drafting/review

Legal advice to engineers/PMs

Team collaboration

Legal tech interest

Tools

None

Job description

Job Description

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we support and empower our people to make a positive impact. We’ll help you accelerate your career with the technology, training and opportunities you need to bring ideas and projects to life.

Together with your colleagues, clients and partners, you’ll make an impact that is felt by all. See where your commitment could take you.

Who are we looking for?

Our NSW/ACT Legal team is looking for a Legal Counsel to join our collaborative and supportive team.

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel, NSW/ACT, you will work alongside two Senior Legal Counsel who will mentor you, share their knowledge and help you grow. This is an excellent opportunity for a private practice lawyer making their first move in-house, or an early-career in-house lawyer looking to broaden their experience.

You will support our business across a varied workload, gaining exposure to major infrastructure and engineering projects that shape communities across New South Wales and the ACT.

Our APAC Legal team is an established in-house function embedded in the business. We manage most matters internally, from initial advice through to final outcome, and focus on providing high-quality, responsive and commercially practical advice. The team is growing, and we are looking for someone who wants to contribute to what comes next.

What You Will Do

• review, draft and assist with negotiating consultancy, professional services, subconsultant and other commercial agreements;
• provide clear and practical legal advice to technical and operational teams;
• support Project Directors and Project Managers with contract finalisation, execution and project delivery issues;
• assist bid and tender teams with contract reviews, proposed departures and commercial risk advice;
• advise on variations, notices, claims and early dispute avoidance;
• assist with professional indemnity claims, insurer notifications, disputes and litigation;
• advise on government procurement, probity, conflicts of interest and confidentiality obligations;
• support the business with matters involving employment, privacy, intellectual property, corporate governance and legislative compliance;
• work with project and business leaders on contract negotiations, supported by senior members of the Legal team;
• contribute to contract templates, legal guides, training and other practical resources; and
• use AI-supported legal tools and help identify opportunities to improve and automate legal processes.

This is a broad generalist role with a strong projects focus. You will gain exposure across the lifecycle of major projects and develop your commercial and contracting skills with guidance from experienced lawyers.

What You Will Bring To The Team

• a current Practising Certificate and approximately 2-4 years’ post-qualification experience gained in a law firm or in-house;
• experience in commercial, construction or general corporate law;
• experience drafting and reviewing commercial contracts;
• an interest in infrastructure, energy, water, transport, engineering or construction;
• exposure to claims, insurance, probity or litigation matters, although this is not essential;
• strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to give clear and practical advice to engineers, project managers and other non-lawyers;
• sound commercial judgement and a commitment to delivering high-quality work;
• a collaborative and collegiate approach, with a willingness to support your colleagues and contribute to the team’s success;
• strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and seek guidance when needed;
• a willingness to take ownership of your work and build expertise across the project lifecycle; and
• an interest in legal technology, automation and smarter ways of working.

We welcome applications from lawyers in private practice looking to make their first move in-house, as well as candidates with in-house experience.

Why join us?

You will join a close-knit Legal team where colleagues support one another and you will be trusted with meaningful work from day one. You will receive mentoring from senior lawyers, support for your professional development and opportunities to take on broader and more complex work as you progress.

Your advice will contribute to projects that shape how communities live, travel and access water and energy.

This role is preferably based in Sydney, but we will also consider applicants able to work from our Newcastle office. Our hybrid model combines flexibility with in-person collaboration, with team members working from a GHD office three days each week.

GHD is an equal opportunity employer, and we want everyone to participate fully in our recruitment process. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all identities.