Legal Counsel - Major Projects

Sydney Water; Parramatta; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellbeing support (EAP)

Family friendly leave (up to 18 weeks)

Novated leasing

Discounted private health insurance

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Sydney Water is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel – Major Projects to join our Legal and Compliance team. You will advise on construction and commercial matters, draft and negotiate agreements, and support internal stakeholders with timely legal guidance in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have 3–8 years post-admission with NSW practising certificate and a law degree, plus strong research, communication and risk-management skills.

Qualifications

• 3-8 years’ post-admission experience, ideally in private practice and in-house
• Strong capability in contract drafting, review, negotiations and providing high-quality legal advice
• Proven ability to identify and assess commercial and legal risks effectively
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with sound commercial judgment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• NSW practising certificate
• Tertiary qualification in law

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and high-quality legal advice across all areas of law relevant to Sydney Water, with a strong focus on construction law.
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on a diverse range of construction and commercial agreements to protect the interests of Sydney Water.
• Advise on Sydney Water's rights and obligations under relevant legislation.
• Support commercial and operational teams with day-to-day commercial and construction legal enquiries.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure effective legal service delivery.
• Contribute to knowledge management by capturing and sharing legal insights and corporate knowledge across the Legal and Compliance team.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Research and analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Law degree

Job description

Sydney Water is seeking a committed and experienced Legal Counsel – Major Projects to join our Legal and Compliance team. This role supports the Head of Legal and Compliance and the Senior Legal Counsel – Major Projects (Manager) in providing expert legal advice and services to Sydney Water.

About the Role

As Legal Counsel – Major Projects, you will play a key role in advising on legal matters relevant to Sydney Water’s operations and business activities. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, providing timely and practical legal guidance, particularly in relation to infrastructure planning, procurement, delivery, operations and claims management.

In addition, you will advise on Sydney Water’s rights and obligations under relevant legislation, work with a diverse range of third parties and support the business on a range of legal, commercial and operational challenges. You will work in a friendly, supportive and collaborative team within a fast-paced environment and enjoy significant opportunities to develop your legal expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide timely and high-quality legal advice across all areas of law relevant to Sydney Water, with a strong focus on construction law
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on a diverse range of construction and commercial agreements to protect the interests of Sydney Water.
• Advise on Sydney Water's rights and obligations under relevant legislation.
• Support commercial and operational teams with day-to-day commercial and construction legal enquiries.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure effective legal service delivery.
• Contribute to knowledge management by capturing and sharing legal insights and corporate knowledge across the Legal and Compliance team.

About You

• 3-8 years’ post-admission experience, ideally gained in both private practice and in-house, with training at a mid or top-tier law firm.
• Strong capability in contract drafting, review, negotiations and providing high-quality legal advice.
• Proven ability to identify and assess commercial and legal risks effectively.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound commercial judgment in complex legal matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Tertiary qualification in law.
• Demonstrated legal experience in the relevant area of law.
• NSW practising certificate.

Closing date: 11.59pm AEST on Friday 6th November

Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person.You must be anAustralian CitizenorPermanent Residentat the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.

Please review the job description here

Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process.

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.
• Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.
• Family First:Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance.
• Fitness Passport:Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.
• Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

Working at Sydney Water

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce’sTerms and Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement– recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.