Senior Lawyer - 3+yrs PQE

Chalk & Behrendt Lawyers & Consultants; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chalk & Behrendt Lawyers & Consultants in Surry Hills, NSW, is seeking an experienced lawyer focused on agreement-making with governance, commercial, property and clean energy work. The role may also involve Aboriginal land rights and native title claims.

The successful candidate will have at least 3 years’ PQE, experience supervising junior staff, and strong written and oral communication skills, with a collaborative approach to work.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ post-qualification experience in corporate/commercial and/or property work
• experience in native title claims and agreement-making and/or clean energy transactions
• experience supervising and managing more junior staff
• excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to communicate with people at diverse backgrounds
• demonstrated ability to work collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Primary focus on agreement-making with governance, commercial, property and clean energy work
• Possible involvement in Aboriginal land rights and native title claims work
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervise junior staff as needed

Job description

Chalk & Behrendt Lawyers & Consultants – Surry Hills NSW

Chalk & Behrendt is a profit-for-purpose, specialist legal practice with an unparalleled reputation in acting for Indigenous Australians and their organisations in areas that include land rights, native title, cultural heritage, agreement-making, environmental and planning law, clean energy, administrative law, business formation, governance and compliance, policy development, conflict management and dispute resolution. We also act for non-Indigenous clients, particularly where there is an alignment with our vision and values. We are an incorporated practice currently employing around 20 people, 8 of whom are directors.

The Chalk & Behrendt workplace is harmonious and collegiate, the relationships with our clients rewarding, and the friendships between current and former staff are strong. As a values-based organisation, we are passionate about offering a work environment which supports the needs and aspirations of our people as well as our clients. A number of our people have engaged successfully with the hybrid working model.

Recent and planned developments have resulted in an exciting opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join the practice. The role will have a primary focus on agreement-making. Governance, commercial, property, and clean energy work but is also likely to be involved in Aboriginal land rights and native title claims work.

The successful candidate is likely to have:

at least 3 years’ post-qualification experience, with the majority of that experience in corporate/commercial and/or property work

experience in native title claims and agreement-making and/or clean energy transactions (an advantage, but not essential)

experience in supervising and managing more junior staff

excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate with people at all levels and with diverse backgrounds

a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

Candidates with experience working in community and/or who share the firm’s values will be highly regarded. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Applications close on 16 October 2026.