Job Description

What’s in it for you?

Build something of your own: This is an opportunity to establish and grow a dedicated Planning & Environment practice within a firm that already has strong adjacent workflows.
A genuine platform: You will be supported by an established property and construction team that generates consistent planning and environment work requiring specialist expertise.
Leadership without bureaucracy: Autonomy to run your practice, mentor juniors and shape strategy without the layers that often come with larger firms.
Commercial upside: Senior salary aligned with experience and capability, plus a performance-linked bonus structure reflecting what you build and bring across.

About your new employer:

This is a respected Sydney firm with an established presence across property and construction, acting for developers, commercial clients and private groups on significant matters.

As the firm continues to grow, Planning & Environment has become a natural strategic expansion area. The firm is now looking to appoint a senior lawyer to lead and develop this practice as part of its broader growth plans.

The culture is pragmatic and commercially focused, with senior lawyers trusted to take ownership of their practice areas while working collaboratively across teams.

About the role:

This is a senior leadership opportunity suited to an experienced Senior Planning & Environment lawyer seeking greater autonomy and practice-building responsibility.

You will advise across both advisory and litigation matters, including:

Development applications, planning approvals and land use matters
Land and Environment Court proceedings (essential)
Major project and infrastructure approvals
Environmental compliance, regulatory investigations and enforcement matters
Drafting planning agreements, objections and submissions
Working closely with property and construction lawyers on integrated matters

You will play a key role in shaping the direction of the practice and mentoring junior lawyers as the team grows.

The ideal candidate:

Senior Associate, Special Counsel or Partner-level Planning & Environment lawyer.
Strong experience within a reputable mid-tier or specialist practice.
Regular involvement in Land and Environment Court matters (essential).
Confident managing clients and capable of building trusted relationships.
Interest in mentoring juniors and contributing to practice growth.
Client following or referrable relationships advantageous.

If this role does not align to your experience and/or career goals, please contact us to discuss other suitable opportunities.

Why work with us?

We have access to 50% more roles than are publicly available.
You will receive free CV and content advice as well as interview preparation assistance specific to the role.
We are intimately aware of market trends including team/firmwide inside information and what salary you can achieve in the current market.
Naiman Clarke are celebrating 25 years of excellence in the legal recruitment industry this year. Our team of experienced, legally trained, consultants have over 40 years of combined experience working exclusively in the legal recruitment sector.

Contact Tianna today!

Please quote reference number TW/55390.
Call or text: 0480 042 590
Email: tward@naimanclarke.com.au
LinkedIn message: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianna-ward/

Naiman Clarke

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Senior Lawyer: Planning & Environment