Senior Legal Counsel – Australia in London

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead. We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential. With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

Woods Bagot is part of the 7C Network, an integrated network of design and architecture companies that provides “Total Place Design,” a holistic approach to creating transformative environments. It combines capabilities from its constituent brands – including Woods Bagot, ERA‑co, Impact Futures, and Customs Bureau – to offer services in placemaking, sustainability, architecture and interior design, and luxury concepts.

About the Role. We are looking for an experienced lawyer to join our small and well‑established team. We welcome applications from candidates based in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide or are prepared to locate to one of these cities. Your global team role will focus on our Australia and New Zealand and Middle East regions. While this position will mainly focus on advising the business on projects and project lifecycle, you will play a key role as a trusted advisor to the business, and there may be opportunities to contribute beyond day‑to‑day project work and get involved in other aspects of law that impact the business more broadly, including strategic initiative and process improvements.

• Work on high‑profile, complex projects across a range of sectors
• Collaborate with senior leaders and global teams
• Contribute to shaping legal processes and best practice in a growing business
• Flexible, inclusive and supportive team environment

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting contract review and analysis, negotiating directly with clients, and preparation of diverse commercial contracts, encompassing consultancy agreements across various scenarios, such as design and construction, design‑focused contracts, etc. across a range of sectors including commercial, health, education, aviation, transport and infrastructure.
• Proactively monitoring changes in the regulatory environment which could impact on the business and ensuring compliance with legislation and internal policies.
• Offering guidance and expertise concerning a broad spectrum of legal matters encountered within a multinational consulting organisation, including contract law, employment, privacy, intellectual property law, resolution of commercial disputes, and effective management of legal proceedings.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and acting as a commercially focused legal partner to the business.
• Delivering comprehensive legal training to non‑legal staff, enabling them to navigate legal issues proficiently.

This role will report to the global General Counsel.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Australian Practising Certificate.
• A minimum of 8 years’ post admission experience.
• Experience working with construction, engineering, or architectural firms is desirable.
• Ability to take a partnership approach with senior stakeholders within the business to provide commercially sound advice.
• Strong background in front end construction law and demonstrated experience in negotiating agreements on major projects.
• Exposure to construction claims and dispute resolution and knowledge of the construction industry are desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an often fast‑paced environment while engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, coupled with a strong inclination towards teamwork in a geographically dispersed team.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Experience working in‑house is desirable.

Mandatory Requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status. At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong.

How to Apply: Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter via our Legal Counsel LinkedIn job post. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by us will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.