Environment and Planning Associate/Senior Associate

at  Allens

About Allens
Allens
is a leading international law firm with a proud 200-year heritage of shaping the future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. From playing a pioneering role in the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks in the Asian region, to acting on numerous ‘firsts’ across a range of industry and community issues, it is in our DNA to make a difference and help shape what our world looks like.
Our alliance with Linklaters connects our clients and teams with an international network of legal leaders that spans 37 offices in 23 countries.
We value personal growth and career progression equally. Through our in-depth career coaching, focus on innovation, and international secondment program, we aim to create future leaders in the legal industry.
Your role
This is your opportunity to join our growing Environment and Planning team in Sydney, working with all three of our Sydney-based E&P Partners, as well as our broader national team. Our E&P team sits within our Real Estate and Development Group and is an integral part of Allens’ leading Projects, Real Estate & Development practice. Our lawyers work collaboratively with our Real Estate and Projects Practice Groups in Sydney as well as across jurisdictions, giving our lawyers an opportunity to work on major projects throughout Australia and overseas.
The range of services provided by the Allens E&P team is broad and varied. We act for a broad range of clients across different sectors , advising and acting on both litigious and transactional matters, and providing advice on strategic planning, environmental licensing and impact assessment, climate change, compulsory acquisition and compliance matters. We act for clients in all classes of the Land and Environment Court’s jurisdiction.
We are looking for an experienced Environment and Planning specialist with approximately 3-6 years PQE.

As a key member of our E&P team you will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic planning approval advice for projects across a range of market sectors including residential, retail, commercial, industrial and logistics, healthcare and aged care, mining, transport, energy and renewables.
• Appearing in the Land and Environment Court in merit appeals, land acquisition proceedings, judicial review proceedings and prosecutions.
• Negotiating voluntary planning agreements at both State and local government levels.
• Advising on contaminated land issues and environmental licensing.
• Advising on planning and associated regulatory approvals.
• Advising on greenhouse gas reporting, Safeguard Mechanism compliance and carbon farming projects.
• Advising on biodiversity conservation, heritage and environmental protection legislation.

In addition to working closely with the E&P Partners, you will also work collaboratively within our team of talented lawyers.
This is a permanent, full-time opportunity however flexibility matters at Allens, so if you are seeking hybrid working or are looking for flexibility in your work, we would be happy to discuss what arrangements would work best for you.
About you

You will have:

• Experience working in an Environment & Planning team, ideally at a well-regarded top tier firm, international firm, Australian firm or boutique firm.
• Experience in conducting Land and Environment Court litigation.
• A willingness to build an understanding of clients and develop effective working relationships.
• An ability to effectively manage matters.
• A willingness to participate in business development activities, such as pitch documents, firm-wide pursuits, article writing, attending industry events and hosting seminars.
• A desire and ability to grow, both as an Environment & Planning Lawyer and leader.
• A strong team ethic.
• An ability to establish a professional profile and internal networks.
• A willingness to build an understanding of clients and develop effective working relationships.
• A desire to learn, grow, network, and collaborate with others.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and delegating to others.

Your development
In joining Allens, you will receive unparalleled learning and development opportunities. You will be challenged, supported and guided as you learn and develop, and will be encouraged grow. We foster greatness and will coach and support you to meet your goals and aspirations.
Our unique Career Deal allows you to take control of your career and provides a transparent approach to career development.
Our perks
Our
benefits
include:
Financial: market competitive fixed remuneration; generous incentive plan that recognises both billable and broader contribution, salary continuance insurance, employee recruitment referral program, discounts at hundreds of suppliers including retail outlets, health and travel insurance, charity matched funding program.
Health and wellbeing: fully subsidised gym memberships, annual flu vaccinations, skin checks, in-house snacks and catered meals, subsidised sporting and social activities, emergency childcare, Employee Assistance Program including confidential counselling, wellbeing coaching and financial coaching for employees and their families and regular wellbeing sessions with our in-house consulting Psychologist.
Flexibility: hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support you in your work and life commitments and passions, equipment to support working from home. Leave: ability to purchase additional annual leave, access to an enhanced, inclusive and flexible
parental leave policy
– 26 weeks paid parental leave with no minimum service for permanent employees and high quality executive coaching to support the transition.
Recognition: team based recognition including social activities and contribution based recognition activities, and annual Allens Values Awards to nominate and recognise the incredible contributions of our people.
Allens is also proud to invest in our communities, giving you the opportunity to make a difference through our work on reconciliation, the environment and other social justice issues as well as our workplace giving and volunteering programs.
How to apply
We’d love to hear from you so please click “apply now”!
At Allens, our culture is made up of unique backgrounds and varying life experiences. We celebrate our people’s differences across gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, cultural backgrounds, First Nations communities, and family and caring arrangements. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align, please express your interest by emailing us at
careers@allens.com.au
. The right role for you might be just around the corner!
At Allens, we’ve been building legal careers for 200 years; longer than any other firm in Australia. The impact of our people extends to almost every sphere of business, government, the judiciary and the wider legal profession. We continue to provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to build outstanding careers and shape the world around them.
Through our alliance with Linklaters, we work in a global network of 41 offices in 26 countries. Our size and global reach provide exceptional opportunities for career development, including both on-the-job learning and formal training and development opportunities.
Our commitment to high performance is balanced with a focus on wellbeing, with a culture that’s inclusive, supportive and collaborative. We prioritise connection and value the unique contribution of everyone at the firm.
We’re proud to hold some of the world’s longest ongoing client relationships, some of which stretch back almost 170 years, and our client base includes 55 of the world’s top 100 companies and more than 75 of Australia’s top 100 companies

• Providing strategic planning approval advice for projects across a range of market sectors including residential, retail, commercial, industrial and logistics, healthcare and aged care, mining, transport, energy and renewables.
• Appearing in the Land and Environment Court in merit appeals, land acquisition proceedings, judicial review proceedings and prosecutions.
• Negotiating voluntary planning agreements at both State and local government levels.
• Advising on contaminated land issues and environmental licensing.
• Advising on planning and associated regulatory approvals.
• Advising on greenhouse gas reporting, Safeguard Mechanism compliance and carbon farming projects.
• Advising on biodiversity conservation, heritage and environmental protection legislation