In short: A legal role with a specialist battery storage developer, leading site acquisition, leasing, planning and property work across a growing pipeline of standalone BESS projects in Australia and the region. 6+ years PQE in real property, from a reputable firm or in-house, required.

D'Arcy Weil is recruiting a Development Legal Counsel on behalf of a specialist battery energy storage developer. The Melbourne-based role sits within the legal function, working alongside the development, site selection and commercial teams as the business expands its standalone BESS portfolio across Australia and the broader region, including:

- Advising on site acquisition, leasing, easements, land access and planning matters
- Negotiating and documenting property agreements that keep development timelines on track
- Building commercial and contractual frameworks that make project delivery repeatable at pace
- Managing property and development claims and disputes across the portfolio

The work is practical and commercially driven: securing the sites and the contractual foundations that let a rapidly growing pipeline move from selection through to construction, while building expertise in energy connection, construction, procurement and project finance as the programme matures.

The Role

- Advise across site acquisition, leasing, easements, land access and planning, negotiating and documenting the property agreements that support project development timelines
- Work with development and site selection teams to design and implement commercial arrangements and contractual frameworks for efficient delivery across a growing pipeline
- Monitor property, planning, foreign investment and environmental regulatory developments across relevant jurisdictions,



turning new obligations into practical policies and compliance processes
- Advise on the identification, management and resolution of property and development claims and disputes as they arise
- Build expertise across energy connection, construction, procurement and project finance as the development programme matures
- Contribute to training and capability development across the legal function

About You

- 6+ years PQE in real property, gained at a reputable law firm or in an in-house workplace
- Planning, infrastructure or energy project development experience advantageous
- Sound commercial judgement, with a record of running complex negotiations autonomously
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across cross-functional development teams

What's on Offer

- Base of $170,000 to $200,000 plus superannuation and performance bonus
- Ownership of the property and development legal agenda for a fast-growing battery storage pipeline
- Close collaboration with development, site selection and commercial teams
- Exposure to energy connection, construction, procurement and project finance as the business scales
- Flexible working arrangements and a genuine pathway to broader legal leadership

Apply with a CV and a brief profile covering:

- The property, planning and land access matters you have advised on
- Your experience with energy, infrastructure or project development transactions
- Examples of complex negotiations you have led

For a confidential discussion, or for more information, contact:

Ivan Pignataro | Director
D'Arcy Weil
M: 0416 507 856
E: [email protected]

All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

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📌 Development Legal Counsel, BESS Projects | Battery Storage | Melbourne
🏢 First Recruitment International
📍 Melbourne