Job Title: Environmental & Planning Lawyer

Location: Sydney, Australia

Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

Sector: Legal (In-house, Lee Family Office)

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Environmental & Planning Lawyer to join the in-house legal team of Lee Family Office, based in Sydney. The successful candidate will provide legal guidance across a range of complex environmental and planning matters that impact the family office’s diverse portfolio. You will work on projects in land development, agriculture, conservation, sustainability, and urban planning, with a focus on managing legal risks, ensuring compliance, and advising on development approvals, zoning, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a versatile legal professional who can manage both advisory and litigation work, and possesses a strong understanding of environmental and planning regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on environmental matters, including land use, zoning, and property development projects in urban and rural areas.
• Lead litigation related to environmental disputes, including land use conflicts, regulatory compliance, and climate-related claims.
• Advise on obtaining planning approvals, permits, and navigating environmental and heritage regulations for large-scale development and agricultural projects.
• Develop and implement strategies for environmental risk management and compliance with Australian environmental laws and planning regulations.
• Review and negotiate planning and environmental agreements (e.g., conservation easements, EIAs, carbon credits), development contracts, and land agreements.
• Collaborate with external experts, government agencies, and planning consultants to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed about evolving environmental laws, planning policies, and court decisions that impact the family office’s assets and investments.
• Support strategic decision-making for land acquisitions, development planning, and long-term asset management.
• Assist in drafting submissions and objections related to planning proposals, rezoning, and development applications.
• Provide advice on public sector property issues, including Crown Land, Native Title matters, and sustainable land management.

Skills & Qualifications:

You will be an experienced Planning & Environment Lawyer at the Associate or Senior Associate level, seeking a front-end role. This will include:

• All aspects of planning and development projects, including zoning and land use issues.
• Developer contributions, planning agreements, and other infrastructure agreements.
• Public sector acquisition of land, predominantly by agreement.
• A full range of environmental matters
• Public sector governance and administration, including tendering and procurement.
• Public sector property issues, including Crown Land and Native Title matters.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in environmental and planning law and will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, well-developed analytical skills, and the ability to build strong relationships.