Property & Projects | Melbourne
* Permanent, full-time position in a leading P&E practice with 2 specialist partners
* Hybrid and flexible working; WFH and from modern, open plan offices. We will provide you with WFH IT equipment plus reimbursement of up to $500 for additional equipment
* Reward and recognition, including competitive remuneration and career progression
* Learning and career development programs for all roles and levels
* Flexible leave options and up to 26 weeks paid parental leave
* Free daily breakfast and office social events
* Genuine commitment to health and wellbeing, pro bono and community, and diversity and inclusion across our firm
Learn more about what Hall & Wilcox can offer you:
About the role and team
We have a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced planning and environment lawyer to join our leading practice in Melbourne.
The environment & planning team sits within our broader national Property & Projects section, which is comprised of approximately 120 team members. The Melbourne E&P team is led by partners Meg Lee and Rory O'Connor, highly regarded leaders in the development industry.
The team act for a variety of clients across both the public and private sector. We are on the panel for State government work and act for the Minister for Planning and Department of Transport & Planning, Department of Education as well as the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. We also act for several local Councils.
We work across all market sectors for property developers, including in broad acre residential precincts and apartment developments, build to rent, commercial, health & industrial property development as well as exciting projects in the renewable energy and resources sectors. We also advise clients in the circular economy on environmental regulation and on EPA approvals and compliance matters, including VCAT enforcement, Magistrates' Court prosecutions as well as Supreme Court proceedings under the new EPA powers.
You will be responsible for:
* preparing complex advice on various matters under the Planning & Environment Act and the Environment Protection Act;
* advising clients on planning and environmental project approvals and rezoning of land, including instructing Counsel or appearing as advocate in appeals and hearings before VCAT, Planning Panels and Ministerial Advisory Committees;
* advising on land acquisition and compensation matters for both authorities and claimants;
* advising for state government authorities on infrastructure, transport and housing projects;
* preparing and negotiating s173 agreements on behalf of private developers and state and local governments; and
* a variety of other matters, including preparing due diligence reports for commercial and property transactions and supporting partners in the broader commercial, construction and property teams of the firm..
About you
You will ideally have the following skills and experience:
* between 3 and 7 years of post-admission experience;
* expertise in planning and environment law;
* candidates with prior experience working in government (state or local) are encouraged to apply;
* strong drafting and communication skills;
* experience in instructing Counsel and/or appearing at VCAT and Panel hearings;
* commercial acumen;
* a genuine passion for and interest in contributing to the growth and success of our planning and environment practice; and
* a team-player who can also work autonomously, within a supportive and collaborative environment.
About us
Hall & Wilcox is a leading independent Australian law firm. We deliver outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and those offshore doing business in Australia. Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive.
Hear from our people about what it's like to work at Hall & Wilcox:
Some of our recent awards and citations include:
* Best Australian Law Firm (>$200m revenue) at the 2025 Client Choice Awards
* Ranked 7th in the Lawyers Weekly Top 25 Attraction Firms for 2024 and 2025
* Law Firm of the Year at the 2023 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards
* Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation holder since 2018
We are known for having a great culture that is warm and welcoming, progressive, inclusive and supportive, and that is underpinned by our enduring values - known as Hallmarks.
We are also renowned for our Smarter Law approach. Smarter Law means we look beyond the status quo to think differently and find solutions. Smarter Law includes enabling technology, challenging business models, innovative pricing and creative resourcing.
We are a firm of the future. We offer our people interesting and challenging work, and access to great clients. To learn more about Hall & Wilcox please visit our website.
Apply now
Let's connect. Click apply to submit your application.
At Hall & Wilcox, we are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions of all people. We encourage applications from candidates of all cultural backgrounds (including First Nations), age, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities.
We are also committed to supporting candidates with disability so that every candidate is offered a fair, equitable and supportive recruitment experience. If you require any adjustments or support to complete your application, or if you have any questions, please contact Kim Chalmers, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor, at for a confidential discussion.
This vacancy is being managed directly by the Hall & Wilcox Talent Acquisition / People & Culture team. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require any assistance.
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