The role

We are excited to offer an exceptional Senior Associate the opportunity to join our Perth Environment & Sustainable Development (ESD) team.

Our team works across a broad range of WA and Federal regulatory frameworks, focussing in particular on environmental, planning and Aboriginal heritage laws but also capturing many other frameworks when the need arises, including native title.

We provide invaluable assistance to private and public sector clients looking to develop projects, from large mining, renewables, agribusiness, industrial and infrastructure projects to smaller landmark tourist and property developments, providing upfront strategic advice to help them navigate complex approval pathways. We identify risks and opportunities, engage with consultants and assessment bodies and partner with our clients to solve problems, to help them attain the approvals they need and then beyond to effective implementation. We also identify risk and risk management strategies in the context of some of Australia's most significant transactions, and we provide litigious support, representing clients in the State Administrative Tribunal in planning appeals, before the Appeals Convenor in relation to environmental approvals, and in Court in the event of judicial review or prosecution for environmental offences.

Clients don't come to us with easy questions. The work is challenging and diverse. It requires an understanding of the regulatory frameworks, strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a problem-solving mentality. We work as a team to provide clear advice on the law and to identify solutions.

As a senior member of our team, you will work directly with partner Lucy Shea and also have the opportunity to lead. Collegiality is a very important aspect of our team and we are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated Senior Associate to provide strong and reliable senior support to the Partner and to help mentor and grow our highly capable and energetic lawyers.

You will also work extensively with other practice areas within Clayton Utz as part of the Projects team, and with our national ESD team, delivering exceptional legal services to our clients.

It is an exciting time to be working in ESD. The depth of expertise across our national ESD team and the nature of our clients, means we are working at the forefront of reform and innovation in this space. Our team's participation in industry peak bodies and our work drafting legislation for the Government also gives us the opportunity to play an important role in policy development and legislative reform across our practice areas. Most recently this included appearing before the Senate Committee in Federal Parliament in relation to the recent reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

With Clayton Utz's strong emphasis on continuous learning and development, and Lucy's dedicated guidance and mentorship, the role offers a Senior Associate looking to take on a leadership role a great opportunity for personal development and growth of expertise into areas of interest.

Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Preferably at least 1-2 years' experience as a Senior Associate with a broad background in environmental law and ideally planning, Aboriginal cultural heritage, native title or related practice areas. We will also consider exceptional lawyers with a depth of expertise across these practice areas looking for promotion to Senior Associate.
Strong skills in legislative interpretation, analytical thinking and advice drafting, and attention to detail
Ideally, familiarity with State Administrative Tribunal or Supreme/Federal Court litigation
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; required for building client relationships and maintaining a positive team environment
Demonstrated capability to work autonomously as well as a team member

Experience in supervising and developing junior lawyers
A high degree of initiative, dedication and organisational ability with a strong client and commercial focus
A desire to develop and participate in business development initiatives

The Environment & Sustainable Development team

Our Environment & Sustainable Development Group guides clients through the complex web of planning, environmental and broader regulatory laws. These laws are varied and complex in each State. While we specialise in each jurisdiction we are a national practice group with opportunity to work with our interstate colleagues.

For further information, please visit our Environment and Planning showcase page on LinkedIn.

How to Apply?

We prefer to work directly with candidates, if you are interested in this role, please click the ‘Apply’ button or contact the consultant, details below, for more information. Clayton Utz is an inclusive employer that supports flexible work arrangements, please feel free to discuss your flexibility needs with the recruiter for this role.

Consultant Contact Details

Shibanni Dave, (02) 6279 3543

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. Do you require any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application? If so, please contact the recruiter via the above telephone number or via email to recruitmentsupport@claytonutz.com.

For more information on Clayton Utz, please visit www.claytonutz.com or follow us on LinkedIn here.

Agency submissions

Clayton Utz does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Clayton Utz Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to Clayton Utz partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute as an introduction to the firm and Clayton Utz will not be liable for a fee.

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Senior Associate – Environment, Planning and Aboriginal Heritage