Senior Legal Counsel – Construction & Renewable Energy Sydney or Melbourne | In-House | 8+ Years PAE
Major Renewable Energy Projects | Front-End Construction & Disputes | Strategic In-House Opportunity

The Opportunity Are you an experienced construction lawyer with a strong background in renewable energy projects, looking to move closer to the commercial action?
Our client is a well-capitalised, rapidly expanding investment and infrastructure business with a significant portfolio of renewable energy assets and an ambitious development pipeline.

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Senior Legal Counsel – Construction & Renewable Energy to join its high-performing legal team, advising on sophisticated, high-value projects across the renewable energy sector.

Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery of major renewable energy developments, including wind, solar and battery energy storage projects.

This is an opportunity to move beyond providing legal advice in isolation and become a trusted commercial adviser with genuine influence over major project outcomes.

The Role
You will provide strategic legal and commercial advice across the full lifecycle of major renewable energy construction projects, from initial procurement and contract negotiations through to delivery, completion and dispute resolution.
Your responsibilities will include:

- Drafting, negotiating and advising on complex construction and project delivery agreements, including EPC, design and construct, early contractor involvement, operations and maintenance, and long-term supply contracts.
- Advising on contractual risk allocation, project structures and commercial negotiations for renewable energy developments.
- Supporting project delivery teams with claims, variations, extensions of time, disputes and other contentious construction matters.
- Working alongside engineering, procurement,



commercial and executive teams to identify and manage legal and commercial risks.
- Providing practical, commercially focused advice to senior stakeholders on significant project delivery issues.
- Managing external legal advisers where appropriate.

About You
We are seeking an accomplished construction lawyer with at least 8 years' post-admission experience and demonstrated experience working on renewable energy projects.
Experience advising on renewable energy projects is essential for this appointment.
You will bring:

- Substantial front-end construction law experience, particularly drafting and negotiating EPC, design and construct and other major project delivery contracts.
- Direct legal experience advising on renewable energy developments, including wind, solar and/or battery energy storage projects.
- Experience advising on contractual and commercial issues arising throughout the development and construction of major renewable energy projects.
- An understanding of construction disputes, contractual claims and project risk management.
- Sound commercial judgement and the ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-oriented advice.
- Confidence working directly with senior executives, technical specialists and commercial decision-makers.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

You must hold a current practising certificate in NSW, Victoria or Queensland.
Candidates may come from a leading private practice construction and projects team or an established in-house legal function,



provided they have relevant renewable energy project experience.

Why Make the Move?
Work on major renewable energy developments
Be involved in significant wind, solar and battery storage projects, with exposure to complex contracts, challenging legal issues and substantial capital investment.

Get closer to the business
Rather than advising from the sidelines, work directly with the executives, engineers and commercial teams responsible for delivering major projects. See the commercial impact of your advice firsthand.

A genuinely strategic legal role
Contribute across the entire project lifecycle, from negotiating major construction contracts to managing delivery risks and resolving complex issues.

Work directly with senior leadership
Report to an experienced General Counsel and build solid relationships with senior executives and key stakeholders.

Join a business with substantial growth ambitions
Become part of a rapidly expanding energy investment and infrastructure platform with an established asset base and a significant pipeline of future developments.

Enjoy the benefits of an established in-house team
Join a team-oriented, high-performing legal function that values commercial thinking, professional development and genuine teamwork.

Attractive employee benefits
Benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, generous parental leave provisions and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
Interested? If you are a senior construction lawyer with renewable energy project experience seeking greater commercial involvement, sophisticated legal work and the opportunity to help shape the delivery of major Australian energy projects, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

For a confidential conversation, contact Jason Elias ••••@eliasrecruitment.com
All enquiries and applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

📌 Senior Legal Counsel - Construction (Renewables) (Sydney)
🏢 Elias Recruitment Pty
📍 Sydney