Legal Counsel

SHAPE Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SHAPE Australia is seeking a commercially minded lawyer to support our Legal team in Sydney. You will work with the General Counsel and national stakeholders to provide practical advice on construction and general legal matters, helping project teams manage risk and protect commercial interests.

You will partner with leaders and operational teams, delivering clear judgement and pragmatic guidance in a fast-moving construction environment.

Qualifications

• Law degree and current knowledge of construction law.
• 4-8 years of experience in a comparable legal role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience managing competing deadlines, ambiguity and complex legal matters.
• Sound problem-solving skills with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Pragmatic, relationship-led approach with confidence advising senior stakeholders.
• Integrity, curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Responsibilities

• Assist with managing legal requirements and internal and external legal matters.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external legal advisers.
• Support contract negotiations, amendments and commercial risk reviews.
• Complete legal risk assessments for tender and contract approvals.
• Advise project teams on claims, notices, contract administration and disputes.
• Help improve contract training, systems and processes across the business.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Deadline management

Ambiguity handling

Complex legal matters

Problem solving

Autonomy

Collaboration

Relationship building

Stakeholder advising

Integrity

Curiosity

Learning mindset

Education

Law degree

Job description

Shaping Spaces. Shaping Careers.

With more than 36 years of experience, SHAPE is a leading ASX-listed national fitout and construction services specialist. Our Legal team supports commercial decision-making across the country, spanning construction and commercial contracts, risk, governance, insurance and legal advice.

Based in our Sydney head office, this role offers meaningful exposure across SHAPE businesses. You'll partner with leaders and operational teams, applying clear judgement and practical advice to complex matters while building your career in a collaborative Legal team.

You’ll play a key role in:

Working alongside our General Counsel and Legal team, you will provide practical advice and support across construction and general legal matters. You will work closely with national stakeholders, bringing clarity to complex issues and helping project teams manage risk, protect commercial interests and deliver with confidence.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist with managing legal requirements and internal and external legal matters


• Build and maintain effective relationships with external legal advisers


• Support contract negotiations, amendments and commercial risk reviews


• Complete legal risk assessments for tender and contract approvals


• Advise project teams on claims, notices, contract administration and disputes.


• Help improve contract training, systems and processes across the business

What you’ll bring:

You are a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys being part of the conversation from the beginning. You can simplify complex issues, balance legal and commercial considerations, and build trust with stakeholders in a fast-moving construction environment.

• A degree in Law and thorough, current knowledge of construction law


• Ideally 4-8 years' experience in a comparable legal role


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail


• Experience managing competing deadlines, ambiguity and complex legal matters


• Sound problem-solving skills and the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively


• A pragmatic, relationship-led approach and confidence advising senior stakeholders


• Integrity, curiosity and a genuine commitment to continuous learning and improvement

Why SHAPE is a great place to work:

We have the ambitious vision to be 'the place where everyone wants to work'. That's why at SHAPE you'll enjoy:

• A diverse and inclusive culture, recognised by Human Synergistics and Australian Financial Review


• 5 additional paid leave days every year


• Personalised career development to fast-track your growth with regular check-ins


• An 'Individual Flexibility Plan' to match your work/life needs


• Competitive salary and profit-share potential (up to 15% of your salary)


• Health and wellbeing benefits, including mental health support, fitness activities, annual flu vaccinations, and discounted health insurance


• Personalised parental leave benefits for your growing family


• Regular social events to connect with your colleagues, subcontractors, and clients

Note to agencies: We have preferred recruitment partners in place and therefore are unable to accept speculative enquiries