About Us

Shaw Reynolds Lawyers is a well-established law firm with a reputation for excellence and integrity. We specialise in Planning and Environment Law, Local Government Law and a range of adjacent practice areas such as Property, Commercial and Construction Law. Our clients trust us for our expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional service.

Principal Partner Chris Shaw is widely recognised as one of the most influential planning and environment lawyers in NSW. Shaw Reynolds Lawyers has won numerous awards as a boutique planning and environment legal firm including most recently Australasian Lawyers Top Specialist Firm 2025.

At Shaw Reynolds Lawyers, we are committed to offering our employees not only a rewarding and dynamic legal career but also the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We are a forward-thinking law firm that values professional growth, innovation, and the well-being of our team.

The Role

We have a full-time role available for a Senior Associate, in local government, planning, and environment matters.

You will work, on a wide range of local government, planning and environment advice, transactional, commercial, and litigation matters. The matters you will be working on will generally be equally balanced between matters supporting private clients and matters supporting local councils. This ensures that your work will be constantly challenging and diverse, including class 1 merit appeals, class 4 civil enforcement matters and class 5 criminal proceedings.

Bonus and Perks

- Hybrid Working Model: Enjoy the perfect balance between working from home and collaborating with colleagues at the office. Our hybrid working model allows you to tailor your work routine to fit your life, enhancing your productivity and well-being (subject to court commitments).

- Executive Coaching: You will have the opportunity to accelerate your professional growth through personalised one-on-one coaching and mentorship directly from our CEO,



a respected and highly engaged leader dedicated to supporting your development.

- Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of a balanced life. We accommodate flexible working hours to ensure that you have the time to enjoy your personal commitments and passions outside of work. At the same time Shaw Reynolds Lawyers believes strongly in the benefits of team building and face to face collaboration. We offer daily morning meetings on MS Teams and give our staff their choice of three days in the office (subject to court commitments).

- Professional Development: We are deeply committed to your professional growth. Our lawyers benefit from regular in-house Continuing Legal Education sessions led by respected leaders in the field, targeted mentoring, and meaningful exposure to a wide range of complex and interesting matters. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or a seasoned practitioner, Shaw Reynolds Lawyers provides a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment where you can refine your skills and advance with confidence.

- Collaborative and Supportive Team: Work alongside a talented and motivated team in a positive and inclusive environment. We prioritise collaboration, respect, and mutual support, making Shaw Reynolds Lawyers a place where you can thrive.

- Bonus Opportunity: We offer competitive salaries with a generous bonus scheme for our lawyers who achieve key targets.

Qualifications

- It is a pre-requisite that you can demonstrate you have practiced as a solicitor in the areas of planning, environment,



and local government for at least 5 consecutive years (including leave).

- You will have experience in giving advice and as a litigator in the Land and Workplace Court of NSW, in respect of merit matters, judicial review, civil and criminal enforcement. Experience in other Courts and Tribunals is not essential but is preferred.

- Admission as a Lawyer in New South Wales

- Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree (or equivalent)

We are looking for someone who:

- Is genuinely client focused and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how to deliver strategic, commercial, and practical advice. You will have exceptional relationship management skills and the confidence to act as a trusted advisor to high-profile and complex clients.

- You bring advanced critical thinking and sound judgment, coupled with a proven ability to navigate challenging matters with composure and clarity. You are self-motivated, highly organised, and excel at managing competing priorities while leading teams and driving matters forward efficiently.

- Your written and verbal communication skills are polished and persuasive, allowing you to clearly articulate nuanced legal arguments and inspire confidence among clients and colleagues alike. You lead by example, fostering collaboration, mentoring junior lawyers, and contributing positively to the culture of the firm.

- You approach challenges with a strategic mindset, always looking for innovative solutions and opportunities to add value. You are outcome driven, resilient, and committed to achieving the best results for clients and the practice.

- An interest in further developing expertise in environment and planning law, together with a strong academic record and excellent technical skills, will ensure your continued success and growth in this role.

For enquiries, please contact our CEO, John Warburton at @shawreynolds.com.au.

📌 Senior Associate 5+ years PAE (Sydney)
🏢 Shaw Reynolds Lawyers
📍 Sydney