Legal Counsel

Overview Join to apply for the Legal Counsel - Inhouse role at SMEC .
We have a rare opportunity for an innovative Legal Counsel to join our team in Sydney on a full-time basis. This role would suit someone looking to move in-house, will have a national remit and is predominantly responsible for providing legal services and expertise to SMEC's Australia and New Zealand Division to ensure that all operations of the organisation are compliant with relevant legislation. Another vital part of this role is developing the legal intellectual capital of the business and ensures efficient provision of processes and procedures of legal services, whilst ensuring minimal risk to the business. This role will also provide the opportunity to advise and work on projects or matters for the wider SJ Group with potential to work on global projects or with teams outside of Australia.
About SMEC SMEC provides unique opportunities to work on iconic industry projects with experienced colleagues and leadership teams. We support and empower employees to drive innovation initiatives within a well-established and growing organisation. Every employee plays a key role in shaping our business and is driven by teamwork, progressive thinking and creative ideas. We are committed to providing platforms to enable our people to engage in the business, deliver value to clients and develop their careers. SMEC delivers smart solutions for clients and communities in Infrastructure, Urban Development and Energy & Resources driven by a desire to improve the world in which we live. Our diverse and skilled teams are engaged in major projects across Transport, Water, Energy and renewables sectors.
Role This full-time in-house role has a national remit, primarily providing legal services and expertise to SMEC's Australia and New Zealand Division to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. The position is based in Sydney.
Responsibilities Undertaking extensive contract reviews and negotiations on proposed contracts and tenders with clients and sub-consultants for small, mid and large-scale projects; PPPs, Alliances and D&C projects
Reviewing and advising on other agreements and related issues (such as subcontracts, teaming agreements, memoranda of understanding, joint ventures, leases, insurance coverage in conjunction with Group Director - Insurance, and probity arrangements)
Providing legal advice on liability and risk identification, allocation and management (including developing commercial solutions to legal risks)
Providing independent legal advice on contractual issues and claims or potential claims by or against SMEC to project managers and regional management
Working in collaboration with the Director - Commercial and Legal Services, Group Director - Insurance and Compliance Director
Liaising with Group Director - Insurance on questions of insurance coverage and contractual undertakings relating to insurance, providing an efficient, competent and professional service that is tailored to the business needs and requirements to ensure transparency to management of risk undertaken
Advising and assisting debt collection activities
Providing advice on matters arising in the performance and administration of contracts
Assisting with delivery of contracts training across the business
Providing input and assistance when standard documentation and user guides are reviewed and developed
Promoting compliance with group-wide legal and risk policies and procedures within the business
Identification and reporting of non-compliances across the business
Participating with Divisional management and SMEC Corporate teams in policy and procedure development (as requested)
Identifying areas of improvement for the Division's legal and commercial practices and liaising with Business Unit Directors, Market Directors, National Managers and State Sector/Local Sector Managers to develop solutions for clients
Working to foster positive working relationships with external clients while still acting to protect SMEC's interests
Identifying internal client needs and addressing their reasonable requirements
Maintaining regular contact and dialogue with key clients
Qualifications and Suitability Bachelor's Degree in law
Post graduate qualification in a relevant area (desirable)
Current Legal Practising Certificate
Member of a State Law Society
5+ years PAE legal experience including commercial law, construction law, services contracts, leases and debt collection
Strong front end and negotiation skills
High level of written and verbal skills
Pragmatic, practical and solution focused approach
Ability to prioritise and manage tasks to meet critical deadlines and work under pressure
High level of legal knowledge (contract law)
Excellent time management skills with the ability to efficiently plan workloads and meet deadlines
Solid understanding of relevant Australian Standards and other common industry consultancy contracts
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Skilled in undertaking a cooperative and flexible work style to work in a team environment
How to Apply All applications must be submitted online. To apply, click on the "Apply Now" link below and follow the prompts. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at All recruitment activities go through our Recruitment & Talent function and currently, this role doesn't require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.
Additional Information At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world
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