Commercial & Government Lawyer (Canberra)

Job Title Commercial & Government Lawyer (Canberra) Location Canberra Description

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

The Opportunity

Ashurst's bold 2027 strategy involves significant investment in our Projects & Energy Transition teams across Australia. We are making significant progress and are looking to bolster our teams further with this new role. In this role, you will be working closely with our Canberra Partners, Steve McKinney, Sarah Ross-Smith and Larissa Toozoff on a range of high-profile matters. You will play a key part on matters with our clients and provide advice on a range of complex projects. In addition, you will ideally have experience in procurement, construction and infrastructure projects or other commercial transactions and experience in acting for government clients.

Ashurst has a proven track record in developing lawyers and this role represents an outstanding opportunity for team-players with strong technical skills and an impressive commercial approach to join the firm. We operate on a regional and global basis, and this presents plenty of opportunities to work across borders or to experience working in different jurisdictions.

About you

Our ideal candidate will have :

• 2 - 4 years PQE with experience in a reputable firm, or in-house;
• Strong technical skills and an in-depth understanding of the issues that can arise on various matters;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, coupled with advanced drafting ability, high attention to detail and well-developed analytical skills;
• Confident and effective in negotiations with clients and counterparties;
• Exceptional ability to build meaningful, effective and long-lasting relationships with colleagues and clients;
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively, bring colleagues into matter workstreams, and actively mentor junior lawyers; and
• A commercial approach while remaining legally appropriate having regard to all broader circumstances.

Please note that the successful candidate must be able to obtain and / or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Vetting Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must be an Australian citizen and have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

What makes Ashurst a great place to work?

We offer you all the things you should expect from an international law firm, some of which include :

We are committed to delivering positive impacts to our communities through our Social Impact programme, with a strong emphasis on working with First Nations people through our pro bono practice.

We aim to recruit, retain and promote the best people from the widest possible talent pools. We are committed to offering a safe and welcoming environment for all employees to ensure they are supported to work at their best.

Beyond this, what sets Ashurst apart from others is our global strength, our drive to innovate and collaborate, and our commitment to excellence. It is these values that make Ashurst a unique place to work.

Our Talent Acquisition team at Ashurst are managing this opportunity and we welcome your direct application. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require additional assistance.

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