Our client is a boutique commercial law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Adeliade. They deliver high-quality, strategic legal services to a diverse client base across a range of industries, including retail, pharmacy, childcare, hospitality, franchising, and property development.

They are founded on a practical and commercially-focused approach, a high-performing yet down-to-earth culture, and a commitment to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and results.

Role Overview:

Our client is seeking a Senior Property & Commercial Lawyer with minimum 5 years' post-admission experience to join the Melbourne team. This senior role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in complex property transactions, combined with experience in commercial advisory, contracts, and business structuring.

The Melbourne office is in an exciting growth phase, with the team currently being developed and supported by the head office in Sydney. This role is a key part of a strategy to increase capacity in Melbourne, enabling the team to actively pursue new opportunities and expand the client base. As they build their presence in the local market, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the team, contributing to business development initiatives, and helping to establish the group as a leading commercial law firm in Victoria. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to be part of a growing practice.

You'll work directly with founders, operators, and in-house legal teams, advising on everything from property developments and leasing through to business sales, governance, and commercial contracts. This is a leadership-facing role with significant autonomy, client ownership, and a clear pathway for growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Property

• Lead and manage complex commercial and residential property transactions, including site acquisitions, due diligence, contract negotiation, and settlement.
• Draft and negotiate retail, commercial, and industrial leases.
• Advise on development projects, planning and zoning, subdivisions, and titling.
• Provide strategic advice to developers, retailers, and operators in various industries.

Commercial

• Advise on business sales and acquisitions (both assets and shares).
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, supply agreements, and service contracts.
• Advise on business structuring, corporate governance, and directors' duties.
• Assist clients with commercial risk management and compliance matters.
• Participate in strategic client discussions and advisory mandates.

Leadership & Growth

• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and contribute to team development.
• Manage client relationships and act as the key point of contact on matters.
• Support business development initiatives and represent the firm in the market.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Property development, sales, and leasing.
• Business sales and acquisitions.
• Commercial contract drafting and negotiation.

• Minimum5 years' post-admission experience in both property and commercial law.
• Demonstrated experience managingend-to-end transactions in:
• Strong legal drafting and analytical skills.
• A commercial mindset and the ability to provide practical, solution-oriented advice.
• Experience working autonomously and directly with clients.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

To Apply

Please apply online using the links in this advertisement.

You can also send your CV directly to [email protected] or call Jock Campbell on 0420 924 666 (Ref: 29092)

All discussions will be in strict confidence and your CV details will not be passed to any third party or prospective employer until instructed by you.

About Us

empire group is a specialist legal recruitment agency operating around Australia

Why Work with Jock at empire group?

• Industry Expertise: As a lawyer, I bring firsthand insight into the profession, backed by a team with 175+ years of combined legal recruitment expertise.
• Exclusive Roles: Gain access to opportunities not advertised anywhere else.
• Personalised Support: Receive free CV advice, interview coaching and negotiation guidance suited to your career goals.
• Privacy: Trust that your information will be treated with the confidentiality that you deserve. Only be put forward to a role with your explicit consent.

At Empire Group, we value diversity and are committed to equitable recruitment. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Our focus is on creating fair, accessible, and culturally safe recruitment processes that genuinely reflect and respect the communities we serve.