Job Description

Senior Associate - Property & Development (Commercial Property)

We are seeking a commercially minded property lawyer with a minimum of 4-5 years’ PAE in Sydney and Melbourne. Our ideal candidate will have strong technical capability, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to client service. You will bring substantial experience in commercial property matters, excellent relationship-building skills and the confidence to lead transactions, mentor junior team members and contribute to business development initiatives, while thriving in a collaborative and high-performing environment.

The role offers a genuine mix of strategic advisory work, transactional matters and project-driven legal services. You will be involved in significant development and property transactions from inception through to completion, providing commercially focused advice that helps clients navigate opportunities, manage risk and achieve successful outcomes. The breadth of work ensures ongoing professional development and the opportunity to deepen your expertise across multiple areas of property law

This is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced property lawyer who enjoys managing sophisticated matters, building trusted client relationships and mentoring developing lawyers. The team advises a diverse client base across commercial, industrial, retail and residential property sectors, providing exposure to a broad range of acquisitions, developments, leasing arrangements and major projects. As a Senior Associate, you will have the autonomy to lead matters while working alongside recognised experts in the field.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Run complex commercial, industrial, retail and residential transactions, acquisitions, bulk developments and larger project work/transactions. We have practice areas spanning areas such as general real estate transactions/development, commercial leasing and retirement living, so we have an interest in candidates with exposure to those particular areas within real estate or with experience in one or more of the types of work noted above.
• Provide high-quality drafting advice on property matters and due diligence.
• Contribution to business development and marketing initiatives to support the continued growth of the team.
• Drafting various types of agreements.
• Due diligence, including as part of commercial and M&A transactions.
• Supervision and mentoring of staff including lawyers, law clerks and non-legal staff.
• Time recording and billing.
• Support ISO 27001 compliance by role modelling information security best practices, ensuring employees, contractors and suppliers understand their information security responsibilities, and promoting appropriate training and awareness.
• ISO27001 Audit – Act as a role model for information security. As well as setting an example of good practice, management responsibilities include ensuring that employees, relevant contractors and supplier are aware of their responsibilities, and attend Information Security training were appropriate in accordance with ISO 27001, control A.6.3.

Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in real estate transactions and development, project work, commercial and retail leasing, project work, or related areas
• Strong experience in commercial drafting, managing complex transactional files and matters relating to property sales.
• Progressive approach and proficiency in digital automation.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ideally, experience working in a similar role.
• Time management skills.

Experience

4-5 years’ post admission experience in commercial property work.

Further Information

Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Carla Viglino on (03) 9609 6770 or cviglino@rk.com.au. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.

Our Firm and Culture

Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.

Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Leanda Nissen on 03 9609 6770 or cviglino@rk.com.au.

Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.