About xWise Group & Above Zero

The xWise Group and Above Zero operate across the full property development lifecycle, covering land acquisition, planning, financing, construction, and sales. Our businesses work together to deliver exceptional outcomes for landowners, investors, and homebuyers across Melbourne.

• LandxWise – A greenfield and subdivision development specialist, managing acquisitions, planning, infrastructure delivery, and approvals.
• CapitalxWise – An investment management firm, offering equity and mezzanine finance opportunities in high-potential land development projects.
• SalesxWise (SXW) – The sales and distribution arm, working with an extensive network of channel agents to sell residential and commercial land and house & land packages.
• BuildxWise (BXW) – A volume residential and commercial builder, supporting in-house developments and delivering high-quality built-form projects.
• Above Zero – A design-led developer, focusing on premium projects in blue-chip suburbs, managing complex planning and investment structures.

To support our growth, we are looking for a mid-level lawyer to join us in-house, taking the lead on contract negotiations, planning and VCAT matters, financing structures, sale agreements, and landowner agreements.

Role Overview

As In-House Legal Counsel, you will provide legal oversight across the xWise Group and Above Zero, ensuring sound legal governance across land transactions, financing arrangements, planning approvals, construction contracts, and property sales. This includes contract negotiation, compliance, settlements, risk management, and working with external lawyers on planning and VCAT matters.

This is an opportunity for a mid-level property lawyer seeking to transition in-house, gain exposure to end-to-end property transactions, and work directly with development, finance, and sales teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract Negotiation & Transaction Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate land acquisition contracts, joint venture agreements, and project financing agreements.
• Structure and review house & land package contracts (one-part and two-part contracts).
• Oversee construction and subdivision contracts, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Manage agency agreements and channel sales contracts with external sales agents.

2. Planning, VCAT & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee planning agreements, Section 173 Agreements, and landowner obligations.
• Instruct and manage external legal counsel for VCAT hearings, planning disputes, and regulatory challenges.
• Ensure compliance with planning permits, zoning laws, and council regulations.
• Work closely with the development team to manage Plan of Subdivision approvals and planning conditions.

3. Settlements, Compliance & Risk Management

• Manage PEXA settlements, working with purchasers, financiers, and legal representatives.
• Draft and review Vendor Statements (Section 32s), ensuring full compliance.
• Monitor and manage contract variations, sunset clauses, and finance extensions.
• Ensure trust account deposits are allocated correctly and meet financial regulations.
• Provide legal oversight on funding structures, mezzanine finance, and investment agreements.

4. Legal Governance & Dispute Resolution

• Identify and mitigate legal risks across acquisitions, financing, and sales transactions.
• Ensure compliance with Victorian planning laws, FIRB regulations, and development finance obligations.
• Manage legal due diligence for acquisitions and investor-backed projects.
• Work with external lawyers on contractual disputes, planning appeals, and landowner negotiations.

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent; admitted to practice in Victoria.
• 5+ years’ experience in property law, land development, or house & land transactions.
• Expertise in land contracts, planning agreements, construction law, and investment structuring.
• Experience with PEXA settlements, vendor statements, and trust account compliance.

Skills & Expertise

• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills.
• Experience with planning and VCAT matters, including instructing external lawyers.
• Understanding of land subdivision, planning approvals, and title registration.
• Ability to manage risk, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, liaising with developers, financiers, landowners, councils, and sales agents.

Preferred Experience (Not Mandatory)

• Previous in-house legal experience with a developer, builder, or property investment firm.
• Familiarity with joint ventures, structured investment deals, and mezzanine finance.

Why Join Us?

• Work across large-scale land development and investment-backed projects with hands-on legal responsibility.
• Exposure to high-value transactions, including land acquisitions, planning approvals, and property sales.
• Competitive remuneration with performance-based incentives.
• Be part of a fast-paced, commercially driven environment, working closely with senior leadership and external legal experts.

Apply now with your CV and portfolio to: [email protected]