Summary

A standout opportunity for a Legal Counsel with 3+ years’ PQE in property and commercial law to step into a permanent, full-time in-house role on the NSW Mid North Coast. You will lead a team, run a broad property and commercial practice, and report to one of the best General Counsel we know. The package is $150,000 to $168,000 including super, plus a car allowance, with hybrid working and on-site parking.

The Company

Our client is a large, well-established organisation in regional NSW that delivers essential services and infrastructure to a growing coastal community. It holds a substantial property portfolio and has a busy pipeline of projects, which keeps the in-house legal team close to the decisions that matter. The legal department is led by a General Counsel whom we have known for more than 10 years. They are a phenomenal mentor and an incredible manager, and the kind of leader who will accelerate your career and take it to the next step. Opportunities to work under a GC of this calibre do not come up often.

The Role

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will be the go-to adviser on property and commercial matters and lead a small team of three across legal and property work. It is a hands-on role with real ownership, and a clear step up into leadership.

Key responsibilities will include

- Advising on property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences and easements
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, deeds and complex agreements
- Leading, supporting and developing a team of three, setting priorities and reviewing work
- Overseeing land transactions and the management of a large lease portfolio
- Advising on procurement, governance and compliance matters
- Supporting planning and development matters, with scope to build this experience if it is newer to you
- Briefing and managing external lawyers, and keeping matters on time and on budget
- Working with the General Counsel to improve how the legal function operates

About You

You are a property and commercial lawyer with at least three years’ PQE .



You may already be in an in-house legal team, or you may be in a law firm and ready to make the move in-house. Both are welcome.

You will bring:

- Admission as a lawyer and an unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate (or eligibility for one)
- A minimum of 3 years’ post-admission experience
- Solid property law experience, including leasing and land transactions (electronic conveyancing experience is a plus)
- Strong commercial contracts experience
- Planning law experience, which is highly regarded but not essential
- Readiness to manage a team of three (some supervision or mentoring experience will help)
- Clear, practical advice and an ability to build strong relationships with non-lawyers

On Offer

- $150,000 to $168,000 including superannuation, plus a car allowance
- Permanent, full-time Senior Legal Counsel role on the NSW Mid North Coast
- Hybrid working: three days in the office and two from home
- Onsite parking
- A direct reporting line to an outstanding General Counsel and mentor
- Your own team of three to lead and develop
- Broad, varied work across property, commercial and planning
- Salary packaging and ongoing professional development
- A coastal lifestyle without the city commute

Why Apply?

This prospect will appeal to lawyers who want:

- To work for a GC who will accelerate their career
- A genuine step up into leadership at 3+ years’ PQE
- A broad in-house practice across property, commercial and planning
- A realistic path in-house, including directly from a law firm
- A strong package with a car allowance, parking and hybrid working
- Room to grow in a regional role with variety and visibility

Next Steps

This role is moving quickly. If this opportunity is of interest, please apply via SEEK. For a confidential discussion, contact Charlie Smirl at Dovetail Legal Recruitment at [email protected] to arrange an initial conversation.

Dovetail Legal Recruitment

Founded in 2015, Dovetail Legal Recruitment is Australia’s only dedicated in-house legal recruiter. We have made 400+ placements and assisted thousands of lawyers in growing their careers.

📌 Legal Counsel: In-House: Property & Commercial: Mid-North Coast NSW (Port Macquarie)
🏢 Dovetail Legal Solutions
📍 Port Macquarie