Senior Associate - Environment, Planning and Aboriginal Heritage

Job Description

The role

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The role

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We are excited to offer an exceptional Senior Associate the opportunity to join our Perth Environment & Sustainable Development (ESD) team. Our team works across a broad range of WA and Federal regulatory frameworks, focussing in particular on environmental, planning and Aboriginal heritage laws but also capturing many other frameworks when the need arises, including native title.

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We provide invaluable assistance to private and public sector clients looking to develop projects, from large mining, renewables, agribusiness, industrial and infrastructure projects to smaller landmark tourist and property developments, providing upfront strategic advice to help them navigate complex approval pathways. We identify risks and opportunities, engage with consultants and assessment bodies and partner with our clients to solve problems, to help them attain the approvals they need and then beyond to effective implementation.

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We also identify risk and risk management strategies in the context of some of Australia's most significant transactions, and we provide litigious support, representing clients in the State Administrative Tribunal in planning appeals, before the Appeals Convenor in relation to environmental approvals, and in Court in the event of judicial review or prosecution for environmental offences. Clients don't come to us with easy questions. The work is challenging and diverse.

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It requires an understanding of the regulatory frameworks, strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a problem-solving mentality. We work as a team to provide clear advice on the law and to identify solutions. As a senior member of our team, you will work directly with partner Lucy Shea and also have the opportunity to lead.

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Collegiality is a very important aspect of our team and we are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated Senior Associate to provide strong and reliable senior support to the Partner and to help mentor and grow our highly capable and energetic lawyers. You will also work extensively with other practice areas within Clayton Utz as part of the Projects team, and with our national ESD team, delivering exceptional legal services to our clients. It is an exciting time to be working in ESD.

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The depth of expertise across our national ESD team and the nature of our clients, means we are working at the forefront of reform and innovation in this space. Our team's participation in industry peak bodies and our work drafting legislation for the Government also gives us the opportunity to play an important role in policy development and legislative reform across our practice areas.

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Most recently this included appearing before the Senate Committee in Federal Parliament in relation to the recent reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth). With Clayton Utz's strong emphasis on continuous learning and development, and Lucy's dedicated guidance and mentorship, the role offers a Senior Associate looking to take on a leadership role a great opportunity for personal development and growth of expertise into areas of interest.

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Skills & Experience

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• Preferably at least 1-2 years' experience as a Senior Associate with a broad background in environmental law and ideally planning, Aboriginal cultural heritage, native title or related practice areas. We will also consider exceptional lawyers with a depth of expertise across these practice areas looking for promotion to Senior Associate.
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• Strong skills in legislative interpretation, analytical thinking and advice drafting, and attention to detail.
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• Ideally, familiarity with State Administrative Tribunal or Supreme/Federal Court litigation.
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• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; required for building client relationships and maintaining a positive team environment.
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• Demonstrated capability to work autonomously as well as a team member.
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• Experience in supervising and developing junior lawyers.
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• A high degree of initiative, dedication and organisational ability with a strong client and commercial focus.
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• A desire to develop and participate in business development initiatives.
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The Environment & Sustainable Development team

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Our Environment & Sustainable Development Group guides clients through the complex web of planning, environmental and broader regulatory laws. These laws are varied and complex in each State. While we specialise in each jurisdiction we are a national practice group with opportunity to work with our interstate colleagues. For further information, please visit our Environment and Planning showcase page on LinkedIn.

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Accessibility and Inclusion

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Clayton Utz is an inclusive employer that supports flexible work arrangements, please feel free to discuss your flexibility needs with the recruiter for this role.

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Our Culture

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As Australia's leading independent law firm, our culture has been built by innovative thinkers. They are the driving force behind our firm and if you choose to be part of the team your expectations will be challenged every step of the way. As part of this innovative team you will be working across major national, government, and global clients. All the while collaborating with some of the sharpest legal minds in the industry.

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Clayton Utz has also been a powerful force in Australian pro bono practice, striving to deliver justice for those who need it and not just those who can afford it. In your time here you'll be constantly surprised by the projects you get to work on and what you can accomplish. We're looking for individuals who will thrive under our spirit of independence. Built around independent thinkers we believe surrounding ourselves with dynamic, ambitious and collaborative individuals is key to creating an environment of success.

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In return we're committed to fostering a career path that's unique to each individual. Imagine what you could achieve at a top law firm that actually values independent thinking. Are you up for the challenge? We are committed to an inclusive culture in which all of our people are recognised for their unique contributions and are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential. Learn more Pro bono is a fundamental part of Clayton Utz. Learn more The traditional legal career path is evolving.

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By consulting with us you can expand your experience, develop your skill set and work on a variety of assignments with top-tier organisations in a range of sectors. Learn more