Associate / Senior Associate - Compulsory Land Acquisition

at  Russell Kennedy Pty Ltd

ASSOCIATE / SENIOR ASSOCIATE - COMPULSORY LAND ACQUISITION

We are seeking to appoint an Associate or Senior Associate to practicein our Government, Planning and Environment team. The role will offerstimulating work, direct client contact as well as a dynamic and supportiveteam environment.
The successful candidate will have a minimum 3 years’ experience workingfor statutory authorities, government bodies and claimants in regards toland acquisition matters. Candidates need to be commercial in theirthinking and approach, possess good technical skills and have the ability tocope with a busy and intellectually stimulating workload.

SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE

• A sound understanding of the relevant legislation and experience acting for acquiring authorities or claimants in compulsory land acquisition under the LAC Act and financial loss claims or loss on sale claims under the PE Act.
• Significant exposure to litigation processes and knowledge of Court Rules.
• Excellent literacy and drafting skills.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
• Well-developedinterpersonal skills.

• Advising and representing statutory authorities, government bodies and private clients in relation to matters arising under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (LAC Act), the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (PE Act), the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009, the Local Government Act 1989/2020 and the Water Act 1989 (and other relevant Acts) with respect to the compulsory acquisition of interests in land and other planning and property-related issues.Preparing, publishing and serving statutory notices under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 and lodging documents with Land Use Victoria as required.
• Negotiating and obtaining possession of land including temporary occupation of land for construction/work areas, preparing licence agreement (where required).
• Preparing documents required for advances of compensation and final settlements, including deeds of release and indemnity and more complex deeds of settlement for compulsory acquisitions and acquisitions by agreement.
• Engaging and liaising with expert witnesses, Valuer-General Victoria and the Victorian Government Land Monitor’s Office.Drafting briefs to Counsel and instructing Counsel in litigation.
• Conducting litigation with respect to disputed claims for compensation before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court of Victoria, including complex litigation involving major infrastructure projects.
• Preparing Section 173 Agreements.