Legal Counsel

3 days ago

Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Hays Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

Legal Counsel | Environment and Planning | 12-month fixed term contract | Government

Your new company

Our client is a highly respected public sector organisation that plays a vital role in supporting the growth, sustainability, and liveability of Australia's most dynamic regions. With a strong commitment to innovation, community outcomes, and environmental responsibility, this organisation is at the forefront of delivering essential services that make a real difference in people's lives.

Your new role

In this role, you will provide timely, high-quality legal support across a broad range of matters, with a particular focus on environment and planning law. You'll work closely with government authorities, manage litigation, and support internal teams on diverse legal, commercial, and operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver expert legal advice across areas relevant to a regulated public sector organisation, with a strong emphasis on environment and planning law.
  • Advise on compliance with key legislation, including the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and other relevant statutory frameworks.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents related to environmental licences, planning approvals, and litigation matters.
  • Support senior legal leadership and operational teams with day-to-day legal and commercial matters.
  • Manage litigation in collaboration with external legal counsel.
  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure effective legal service delivery.
  • Contribute to legal knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the legal and compliance function

What you'll need to succeed

  • Ideally seeking candidates with 4-7 years' PAE, with a strong background in environment and planning law, preferably gained through a mix of private practice and in-house roles.
  • Preferably experience gained in a mid or top tier law firm.
  • Demonstrated expertise in contract drafting, negotiation, and delivering strategic legal advice.
  • Proven experience in interacting with regulatory bodies and government agencies.
  • Strong ability to identify and assess legal and commercial risks.
  • Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in navigating complex legal issues.
  • Highly effective in communicating with stakeholders and building trusted relationships.
  • Prior exposure to regulated industries and experience in commercial or contract law will be highly regarded.

What you'll get in return

  • Niche opportunity for a planning and environment lawyer to develop their in-house legal experience
  • Work for a reputable public sector organisation
  • Competitive salary
  • Attractive flexibility with a healthy work-life balance
  • Lots of variety in your workload
  • Parental leave cover - 12-month fixed-term contract
  • Hybrid working
  • Parking on site

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or contact Laura on

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    7 days ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Hays | Legal Full time $150,000 - $250,000 per year

    Opportunity for a Senior Lawyer to be part of Sydney's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Your new company Our client is known for its values-driven culture, strong public service ethos, and ambitious investment in smart grid technologies and renewable integration. They combine public accountability with private sector efficiency, and are currently...

  • In-house Legal Counsel

    5 days ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Oryx People Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

    About the RoleOur client, a leading automotive organisation in Australia, is seeking an experienced In-house Legal Counsel / Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice to the Executive team. This role covers complex legal, governance, and compliance matters across the business.Key ResponsibilitiesAdvise senior leadership on...

  • Legal Officer

    7 days ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia WorkTrybe Full time $80,000 - $110,000 per year

    Join the legal team of a growing security company - diverse role covering Compliance, Legal and Admin. Flexible, hybrid working & career progressionLegal Officer position paying between $80K-$110K+Super depending on experience - In-House background ideal12 month FTC with possibility of permanency as the team growsHybrid and flexible workingBeautiful new...

  • Part-Time Experienced Paralegal –

    7 days ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Genesis Legal Partners Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    Job DescriptionGenesis Legal Partners, a well-regarded boutique law firm in Parramatta CBD, is seeking an experienced Paralegal to join our general practice with a primary focus on property and family law. Our firm has experienced significant growth and represents private clients, small businesses, property developers, strata, and high-net-worth individuals...

  • Senior Legal Officer

    7 days ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water Full time $138,539 - $148,283 per year

    Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSWTogether, we create thriving environments, communities and economies across our State.Senior Legal Officer – EnergyOngoing full-time role, 35 hrs/weekOffice based in Parramatta or Sydney CBD, flexible within other established NSW work locationsSalary relative to experience ranging from $138, 539 to...

  • Senior Legal Officer, Water Law

    1 week ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water Full time $138,539 - $148,283 per year

    Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSWTogether, we create thriving environments, communities and economies across our State.Senior Legal Officer – Water LawTwo X ongoing full-time roles, 35 hrs/weekOffice based in Parramatta (flexible working offered) - other established work locations deemed suitable across NSW may be consideredSalary...

  • Senior Family Lawyer

    1 week ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Beacon Legal Full time $120,000 - $250,000 per year

    Senior Family Lawyer | Complex Financial & Parenting Matters | ParramattaJoin one of Western Sydney'stop Family Law practices, recognised for handlinghigh-net-worth separationsinvolving intricate financial structures, businesses, and multi-million-dollar property pools. Based in Parramatta, this respected boutique firm combinestop-tier expertise with genuine...

  • Two Roles: Costs Lawyer

    3 days ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia New South Lawyers Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Join a firm where your expertise in costs matters – and your career will soar.At New South Lawyers, we're all about delivering outstanding legal outcomes, fostering a people-focused culture, and championing legal excellence. We're looking for talented professionals to join our growing Sydney team in either of the following roles:Costs Lawyer / Costs...

  • Senior Associate

    1 day ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Carroll & O'Dea Lawyers Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

    About Carroll & O'Dea LawyersCarroll & O'Dea Lawyers is a mid-tier law firm with offices in Sydney, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Melbourne, Wollongong, Hobart and Newcastle. We specialise in providing legal services in property, commercial, litigation and dispute resolution, employment & industrial relations, and plaintiff personal injury law to a diverse range...

  • Child and Youth Specialist Worker

    1 week ago

    Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Women's Community Shelters Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    Who we areWomen's Community Shelters is a network of eleven shelters for homeless women with or without children across NSW. We are recruiting for a Child and Youth Specialist Worker to join our team. Parramatta Women's Shelter is a crisis accommodation service for women with dependent children, who are experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence or...