Senior Associate, Corporate (Energy & Resources)

We are seeking a Senior Associate to join our award winning Tier 1 Corporate Energy & Resources team in our Brisbane office. You will be working with our leading Partner Sian Newnham, as well as other Corporate Energy & Resources partners across our national practice.

Sian is ranked as a Leading Individual in the Natural Resources (Transactions and Regulatory) category for Australia by the Legal 500 and ‘Recommended’ by Doyle’s Guide in the Leading Front End Construction & Infrastructure Lawyers category in Queensland in 2024.

Your day could typically involve:

• Advising on front end project development and business as usual operations in the resources and infrastructure sector (including renewables, green hydrogen, critical minerals, LNG and port and rail infrastructure).
• Supporting a strong multinational and regional client portfolio.
• Working with clients at the cutting edge of emerging technology. For example, you may be involved in contract drafting for clients rolling out driverless automation technology or automated rail signalling.
• M&A transaction work advising on acquisitions and divestments in the energy and resources sector.
• General advice work in the energy & resources sector.
• You may also work closely with other leading Partners on M&A transactions relevant to the energy and resources sector.
• Working closely with team members in Australia and worldwide on transactions and projects throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Middle East and South America.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• At least 5 years’ experience with clients in the energy and resources sector, preferably with an energy and resources or projects and construction background.
• Alternatively, you may have a strong private M&A background and interested in developing your career further in the energy & resources sector.
• An unrestricted Australian practicing certificate or you will be an admitted legal practitioner in New Zealand.
• An excellent academic record coupled with strong legal skills and a practical mindset.
• A proactive approach and desire to be an integral member of our leading and supportive team.
• An ability to work to tight timeframes, collaboratively and at times autonomously.
• An eagerness to create an exceptional experience for our clients and value empathy, simplicity and commerciality as we do.

What you can expect from us:

• We’re a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 5,000 professionals. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.
• We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.
• We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.
• We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you’ll have it and we’ll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.
• For more benefits on offer such as our 26 weeks paid parental leave, holistic wellbeing fund or home office allowance please click here.
• Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia’s market leading law firm.

We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to First Nations, LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent individuals, as well as individuals of all ages, cultures, genders, and abilities. We’re a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace and celebrate the diversity of our people.

For any questions or a confidential discussion, please contact Carissa Bartels, Recruitment Manager at [email protected].

This vacancy is being managed directly by Herbert Smith Freehills Recruitment team. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require additional assistance. Thank you.