Legal Counsel

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential. With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join our small and well-established team. We welcome applications from candidates based in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide or are prepared to locate to one of these cities.

Your global team role will focus on our Australia and New Zealand region. While this position will mainly focus on advising the business on projects and project lifecycle, there may be opportunities to contribute beyond day-to-day project work and get involved in other aspects of law that impact the business more broadly.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting contract review and analysis, negotiating directly with clients, and preparation of diverse commercial contracts, encompassing consultancy agreements across various scenarios, such as design and construction, design-focused contracts, etc. across a range of sectors including commercial, health, education, aviation, transport and infrastructure.
• Proactively monitoring changes in the regulatory environment which could impact on the business and ensuring compliance with legislation and internal policies.
• Offering guidance and expertise concerning a broad spectrum of legal matters encountered within a multinational consulting organisation, including contract law, employment, privacy, intellectual property law, resolution of commercial disputes, and effective management of legal proceedings.
• Delivering comprehensive legal training to non-legal staff, enabling them to navigate legal issues proficiently.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Australian Practicing Certificate.
• A minimum of 4-8 years’ post admission experience.
• Experience working with construction, engineering, or architectural firms is desirable.
• Ability to take a partnership approach with senior stakeholders within the business to provide commercially sound advice
• Strong background in front end construction law and demonstrated experience in negotiating agreements on major projects.
• Exposure to construction claims and dispute resolution and knowledge of the construction industry are desirable but not essential.
• Experience within advising consultancy firms is desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an often fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, coupled with a strong inclination towards teamwork in a geographically dispersed team.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Experience working in-house is desirable.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter via our Legal Counsel LinkedIn job post. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by us will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory Requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experience designers and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.