Planning & Environment Partner
VIXA | Executive Legal Recruitment
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia · Full Time
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- Experience
- 8–25 yrs
- Salary
- —
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 14 minutes ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
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Job description
About the Firm
Our client is a prestigious Australian law firm with an outstanding reputation in the planning and environment legal sector. Frequently acknowledged by Doyle's Guide and Best Lawyers, the firm excels in major project approvals, environmental and native title advice, development facilitation, and planning litigation. It boasts a strong national and international clientele, a substantial team specializing in planning and environment law, and robust infrastructure to support a new partner joining with existing momentum.
The firm prioritizes planning and environment as a fundamental practice area, supporting a collaborative, business-oriented partnership committed to the success of its partners.
Opportunity Overview
The firm is expanding its planning and environment division and seeks a partner who brings advanced technical expertise along with a transferable client base, helping to drive growth. Key industry drivers include ongoing investments in infrastructure and precinct developments, a complex regulatory landscape for planning and environmental approvals, and burgeoning renewable energy, industrial, and residential projects in Victoria.
This position is ideal for a commercially savvy partner focused on client service, ready to integrate into a respectful, supportive partnership culture.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide expert leadership within the practice, supervising and mentoring junior legal staff.
- Engage actively in partnership governance and business development.
- Deliver high-quality legal services across areas such as planning and development approvals, panel hearings, VCAT proceedings, environmental advisory issues (contamination, native vegetation, cultural heritage, regulatory compliance), and planning/environment litigation.
Candidate Profile
- Possess 8 to 25 years of post-admission experience specializing in planning and environment law.
- Demonstrate deep technical proficiency in planning approvals, environmental law, or litigation; knowledge of native title and cultural heritage is advantageous but not essential.
- Manage a portable practice with a current client book exceeding $1 million in revenue.
- Maintain established relationships with developers, government bodies, infrastructure proponents, or corporate landowners.
- Exhibit a proven record of business development and possess the stature to continue growth within a new firm.
- Come from a top-tier, leading mid-tier, or recognized specialist planning and environment firm.
- Show strong commercial instincts and interpersonal skills supportive of collaborative partnership working.
Additional Information
This role entails a confidential recruitment process conducted by experienced legal executive search consultants, ensuring candidate privacy and thorough alignment with client needs. Detailed firm information, partnership structure, client demographics, and strategic vision will be disclosed confidentially upon progression in the selection process. Prospective candidates are encouraged to consider this a significant career step and to engage thoroughly before making a decision.