The OpportunityThis is a rare opportunity for a senior lawyer to establish and develop an in-house legal function within a successful and growing real estate group.Reporting directly to the CEO and CFO, you will act as a trusted adviser across all areas of the business, providing commercially focused legal advice on property, leasing, agency compliance, disputes, regulatory matters, employment issues and strategic transactions.
You will work closely with executives, sales teams, property managers and operational leaders to manage risk, support growth initiatives and guide the business through complex legal and regulatory matters.The role will suit an experienced lawyer who enjoys working autonomously, taking ownership of a broad and varied practice, and partnering with key stakeholders to deliver practical commercial outcomes.About Highland GroupWe are a leading real estate business operating across Residential Sales, Property Management, Project Marketing, Mortgages and Insurance.Unlike many agencies, Highland operates an integrated in-house model with dedicated teams across Human Resources, Recruitment, Marketing, Compliance, Finance and Trust Accounting.
As the business continues to grow, it is seeking to expand this model through the establishment of a dedicated legal function.For over 19 years, Highland has been recognised as one of Australia's leading real estate brands, with offices across the Sutherland Shire, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Southern Highlands and Queensland.
With more than 200 team members and an excellent reputation for professionalism, innovation and market leadership, Highland Group is committed to employee development,



progression and long-term growth opportunities.Seeking an In-House Counsel Who HasAustralian Practising Certificate (with Condition 2 removed for unsupervised practice)Minimum 6 years' post-qualification experienceStrong background in Property Law, Commercial Leasing, Litigation and Dispute ResolutionExperience advising on residential and commercial property transactions, acquisitions and disposalsWorking knowledge of the Property and Stock Agents Act **** (NSW) and the Property Occupations Act **** (QLD) (highly desirable)Experience dealing with regulatory matters involving government authorities and regulators, including the NSW Office of Fair Trading and equivalent interstate regulatorsSound understanding of the Residential Tenancies Act **** (NSW) and other tenancy legislation applicable to residential and commercial propertyExperience preparing, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial documentation, including leases, agency agreements, property management agreements, rent roll sale agreements and commercial contractsExperience conducting and managing litigation, tribunal proceedings and disputes, including matters before NCAT, and other courts and tribunalsPrior in-house legal experience, or experience acting for real estate agencies, property managers,



or developers (highly regarded)ResponsibilitiesProviding legal and strategic advice to executives, sales teams, property managers and other business unitsManaging disputes involving vendors, purchasers, landlords, tenants, owners corporations, agents and other stakeholdersDrafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of legal documentation, including:agency agreementsproperty management agreementsrent roll sale agreementsemployment and contractor agreementsdeeds, NDAs and other commercial agreementsManaging external legal advisers and ensuring cost-effective outcomesIdentifying, assessing and mitigating legal and regulatory risk across the businessSupporting business acquisitions, office expansions and strategic growth initiatives as requiredAssisting with governance, compliance and risk management projects across the wider organisationTo Be Successful You Will DemonstrateDetailed familiarity with property, agency, leasing and tenancy legislationLitigation and dispute resolution experienceExcellent commercial judgment and the ability to provide practical, business-focused legal adviceStrong stakeholder management and relationship-building skillsAbility to operate autonomously and manage a diverse and fast-moving workloadExceptional drafting, negotiation and communication skillsStrong attention to detail and risk management capabilityA pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to resolving legal and commercial issuesA desire to contribute to the continued growth and success of the businessOnly shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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📌 In-House Counsel (Sydney)
🏢 Highland Property Group
📍 Sydney