Job Description

Ready to take the next step in your front-end construction career? Join a highly regarded Western Australia construction legal team and work on a diverse range of projects alongside talented lawyers and quality clients.

Jackson McDonald’s construction practice is seeking a lawyer with proven capability in front-end construction law, major projects or complex commercial contracting. We are focused on finding the right person to complement our team’s collaborative way of working and can tailor the opportunity based on the experience of the successful candidate. We therefore welcome applicants with experience ranging from four years’ post-admission experience through to senior practitioners looking to build a practice.

You will work directly alongside Partner Isla McRobbie on a broad range of construction projects ranging from smaller residential right through to large scale key infrastructure, multi-residential development, aged care and retirement living, tertiary education facilities and government and affordable housing (amongst more). You will also be exposed to a diverse client base that includes government, private developers and principals, contractors and consultants.

About you

We’re looking for a lawyer who combines strong construction law experience and understanding, sound commercial judgment and a genuine interest in practical, client-focused outcomes.

You will have:

• Minimum four years’ post-admission experience, ideally working within the construction sector (front end).
• Experience in front-end construction law or a strong commercial contracting background with transferable experience in construction, engineering, infrastructure, energy, resources or major projects.
• Experience drafting and negotiating project agreements, which may include construction, engineering, consultancy, supply, maintenance.
• Confidence providing clear, practical advice on procurement, project delivery, risk allocation, contract administration and related commercial issues.
• Strong technical ability, attention to detail, commercial acumen and sound legal judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work directly with clients and stakeholders.
• The ability to manage matters with an appropriate level of autonomy and contribute effectively within the team.

Why Jackson McDonald?

You’ll work on interesting, challenging and high-profile matters alongside experienced practitioners, with the support and flexibility to develop your skills and pursue your career ambitions. As part of a multi-practice firm, you will have the opportunity to work with lawyers across various practice groups within Jackson McDonald including our workplace health and safety, insurance and commercial law teams. Our construction team works collaboratively and values initiative and shared success. We consciously adopt a method of practice that ensures work is done by and amongst the correct team members (no work “silos”) – this means that you can draw on experience and assistance from the strongest and most appropriate team for any given project.

If you enjoy responsibility, responsive client service, contributing ideas and working with a tight-knit and busy team of professionals, we’d love to hear from you.

For the right candidate, this opportunity presents a genuine pathway to partnership.

What we can offer you

• A respectful and diverse workplace culture.
• A genuine commitment to personal development supported with in-house CPD seminars, e-Learning and many other opportunities to keep building your technical and professional skills.
• Diverse work and the opportunity to collaborate with practitioners across our practice groups.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Reward and recognition program.
• Leave benefits including paid parental leave and additional paid birthday leave.
• Opportunities to participate in social, community and charity initiatives.
• Committee and leadership opportunities e.g. Reconciliation Action Plan, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Other workplace benefits including social events, free onsite gym and gym classes, weekly breakfasts and Friday-night drinks.

How to apply

Please submit your CV to our People & Development team by clicking “Apply”.

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must be permitted to work in Australia on an unrestricted basis.

Jackson McDonald is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.