Legal Counsel (Energy/Infrastructure)

Sigma Executive; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Sigma Executive has a Sydney-based opportunity for a Legal Counsel with 5–10 years of post-qualification experience in construction or infrastructure law. You will draft and negotiate complex contracts, advise on large-scale transmission projects, and navigate energy regulation to support project delivery.

You will work with cross-functional teams and external advisers to ensure timely, commercially sound outcomes that align with corporate objectives and risk management strategies.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years PAE in construction or infrastructure law.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts (D&C, EPC, Construct Only) and related agreements.
• Front-end and project delivery experience on large-scale infrastructure.
• Understanding of energy market rules and energy regulation.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of construction contracts and commercial agreements (D&C, EPC, Construct Only) and bespoke arrangements.
• Advise on legal aspects of major transmission projects and related procurement processes.
• Advise on energy regulatory matters, including NEM rules and market participation agreements.
• Provide strategic legal input into tendering, project structuring and risk allocation.
• Support cross-functional project teams and senior stakeholders in negotiations and decision-making.
• Coordinate with external legal advisers to align with timelines and corporate objectives.

Skills

Contract drafting

Commercial negotiations

Project delivery

Regulatory understanding

Stakeholder management

Job description

Our client plays a central role in accelerating Australia's clean energy transition by providing commercial solutions and essential infrastructure services for the evolving energy landscape. With a pipeline of nationally significant projects, the organisation is instrumental in enabling the shift to renewable energy across the eastern seaboard.

The Role

With a growing portfolio of nationally significant energy projects, our client is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their high-performing legal team in Sydney.

This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to the legal and commercial delivery of major infrastructure projects that are critical to Australia’s energy transition. You will provide legal support across the full project lifecycle — from early-stage development and procurement, through to construction and delivery — with a strong focus on transmission infrastructure and renewable energy integration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of construction contracts and commercial agreements, including D&C, EPC, and Construct Only, as well as Build-Own-Operate, Connection, Service, and other Bespoke agreements
• Advising on the legal aspects of complex, large-scale transmission projects and related procurement processes
• Advising on the commercial application of National Electricity Market (NEM) rules, market participation agreements, and other aspects of the energy regulatory landscape.
• Providing strategic legal input into tendering activities, project structuring, and risk allocation
• Supporting cross-functional project teams and senior stakeholders in commercial negotiations and legal decision-making
• Helping to manage external legal advisers and ensuring alignment with project timelines and corporate objectives

This is an excellent opportunity for a construction or infrastructure-focused lawyer who is passionate about playing a role in shaping Australia’s future energy network.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of PAE (Post Admission Experience) gained from a reputable law firm or in-house role, with solid experience in front-end and project delivery legal work.

Key attributes include:

• Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex construction and project contracts.
• Hands-on experience overseeing major construction and infrastructure projects, with a focus on contract strategy, claims management, and dispute resolution.
• An understanding of energy market rules and/or energy regulation.
• Impressive commercial acumen, with a solutions focused, 'can-do' attitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, adaptable approach, capable of managing complex challenges with confidence and professionalism.
• The ability to work autonomously and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and gain exposure to strategic decision-making within a leading industry player, this role could be the perfect fit.