Legal Counsel

The GPT Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Parental leave

Learning & development

Wellbeing programs

Employee referral program

Job summary

The GPT Group is seeking a senior real estate and commercial lawyer to join our in-house Legal team in Sydney. You will advise on high-stakes transactions, leasing matters, and development projects, partnering with a collaborative team to balance legal risk with commercial outcomes.

You will draft and negotiate a wide range of contracts, manage external counsel, and contribute to governance initiatives. A current practicing certificate and 5–7 years PQE are preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong real estate and development background with construction experience a plus.
• Excellent drafting and analytical abilities that simplify complex issues.
• Proactive self-starter with strong communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Be a genuine partner to the business – deliver technically excellent legal advice aligned to business needs.
• Lead real estate transactions across the full deal lifecycle, coordinating stakeholders and timelines.
• Spot and manage legal risks with practical, commercial strategies.
• Explain complex concepts in clear terms for non-legal audiences.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk, Governance & Compliance, Tax and Finance on integrated solutions.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, property and development agreements.
• Manage external counsel relationships for quality and cost-efficient services.
• Support broader Governance and Compliance initiatives with precedents and training.

Skills

Real estate law

Commercial contracts

Stakeholder management

Due diligence

Negotiation

Job description

We shape leading experiences across office, retail, logistics and student accommodation.

We’re one of Australia’s largest property groups, managing $39.8 billion worth of assets across the country.

Our sustainable returns from investments come from focusing on what matters most to customers — a great experience and doing good. Every day, our people are driving positive impact for people, place and planet. They’re inquisitive, pioneering industry firsts and pushing new ideas to deliver exceptional outcomes.

This passion and expertise creates an employee experience that puts wellbeing, flexibility and opportunity first.

The role

Are you a savvy real estate lawyer who thrives on complex deals, commercial impact, and working with people who love what they do? As Legal Counsel at GPT (ASX: GPT), you’ll be at the legal helm of one of Australia’s top-tier diversified property groups – think iconic office towers, bustling retail hubs, and next-gen logistics spaces.

In this role you’ll be front and centre, advising on high-stakes real estate transactions, leasing matters, general commercial activities and major developments that shape Australia’s skyline. You’ll partner with a high-performing, down-to-earth legal team that backs each other, celebrates wins (big and small), and knows how to blend technical excellence with commercial smarts.

At GPT, we believe great culture is more than a buzzword, it’s how we work every day. We’re curious, collaborative, and courageous. We value sharp minds, kind hearts, and a good sense of humour. And yes, we take our work seriously.

So, if you're looking to bring your legal skills to a place where your voice is heard, your impact is real, and your team is genuine and supportive — this is your move.

What you will be doing

As a key member of our in-house legal team, you will:

• Be a genuine partner to the business – delivering technically excellent legal advice that understands the business’ needs and is clear and practical.
• Run transactions/execute - drive and execute real estate transactions across the full deal lifecycle—from initial due diligence through closing and post-close integration. This includes coordinating internal and external stakeholders, managing transaction timelines, supporting legal and financial documentation processes, and ensuring all deal-related activities are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Spot and manage legal risks, developing practical and commercial strategies that protect GPT’s interests and support business goals.
• Break down complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice for non-legal audiences
• Work hand-in-hand with cross-functional teams including the broader Legal, Risk, Governance and Compliance Team, as well as tax and finance to deliver integrated solutions that drive business outcomes.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, property agreements, construction contracts, development agreements and sale contracts.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, ensuring delivery of high-quality and cost-effective legal services that complement GPT’s internal expertise.
• Rolling up your sleeves to support broader Legal, Governance and Compliance Team initiatives, from developing precedents and policies to delivering training that strengthen our legal and governance framework.

What makes you stand out

We are looking for a commercially astute real estate and commercial lawyer who thrives on solving problems, building trusted relationships and seeing your work contribute directly to business outcomes.

A current practicing certificate and approximately 5-7 years’ PQE with a strong foundation at a top-quality firm.

• Strong real estate and development background. Construction experience is preferred, but not essential.
• Outstanding technical, analytical and drafting skills with a proven ability to simplify complex legal issues for commercial stakeholders.
• A pro-active self-starter with a willingness to pitch in and get things done.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence decisions and a collaborative mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Flexible team player, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

What makes us stand out

• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and generous leave options.
• Experience market-leading parental leave benefits including 22 weeks paid leave for either carer and childcare allowance once you return to work.
• Embrace diverse and challenging career opportunities, supported by our dedicated Learning & Development Team committed to your growth.
• Engage in comprehensive Wellbeing programs and benefit from market-leading policies and support tailored to diverse needs.
• Be recognised by peers through nomination awards and take part in our generous Employee Referral Program.

We know the power of a great experience

• Ranked 5th in the 2025 Gender Equality Global Report released by Equileap.
• Placed 1st of real estate investment trusts in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025 Yearbook.
• Earned a Gold ranking in Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) for LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
• Awarded our fifth consecutive Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in 2023-2025.
• Committed to our second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

GPT offers an inclusive workplace culture and embraces people with diverse perspectives, skills and backgrounds. We welcome applications from First Nations candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with disability and people of diverse ages, cultures and backgrounds.