Senior Associate – Planning

at  Russell Kennedy Lawyers

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Associate to join our Government, Planning and Environment team. The successful applicant will have at least four years planning experience.
The role will offer stimulating work, direct client contact as well as a dynamic and supportive team environment.
About the firm
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 270 people in Melbourne and Sydney. At Russell Kennedy, we are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by marketleading expertise across our key sectors of focus. We are very proud of our culture and we work hard to recruit like-minded professionals who will suit the needs and expectations of our clients and our collegiate atmosphere.
We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle.
Russell Kennedy promotes a workplace culture that actively embraces and fosters diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to support a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where their talents are fostered, empowering them to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and is committed to attracting the best talent available and is open to discussing flexible work arrangements for all of our listed vacancies.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• A sound understanding of the relevant legislation.
• Significant exposure to litigation processes and knowledge of Court Rules.
• Excellent literacy and drafting skills.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.

• Drafting written advice and recommendations for local councils, statutory authorities, state government departments and private clients on all aspects of statutory and strategic planning, environmental regulation, water law and related areas of property law.
• Assisting in preparation for RK appearing on behalf of local councils, statutory authorities, state government departments and private clients in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning Panels Victoria, Advisory Committees, Magistrates’ Court of Victorian and the Supreme Court of Victoria in respect of a wide range of rural, residential, commercial and industrial development, earth resource proposals and waste management matters.
• Drafting planning agreements, including for development infrastructure levies and public open space.
• Acting for private clients and local councils in relation to restrictive covenants, easements, roads, heritage and liquor licencing matters.
• Drafting advice to Victoria water corporations in respect of infrastructure planning, land use conflicts and rights and obligations under the Water Act 1989.
• Marketing and business development activities.