Our client is a global leader in renewable energy and advanced energy storage solutions, with a strong pipeline of battery energy storage system (BESS) and infrastructure projects across Australia. With operations expanding rapidly in the Australian market, the organisation is seeking a highly skilled Legal Counsel to join its legal function in either Melbourne or Sydney. About the Role The Legal Counsel will play a critical role in supporting front-end construction, infrastructure, and project development activities across large-scale BESS and energy infrastructure projects. This position requires a commercial lawyer with strong front-end experience, capable of drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex project documentation and major construction contracts. Working closely with the business development, engineering, and project delivery teams, you will provide strategic and practical legal advice to ensure the successful execution of projects in Australia’s fast-evolving renewable energy and storage market. Key Responsibilities Drafting, negotiating, and advising on EPC, O&M, supply, and balance of plant contracts for BESS and major infrastructure projects. Structuring and negotiating project development agreements, joint venture arrangements, and consortia agreements. Advising on procurement frameworks, equipment supply agreements, battery and inverter contracts, and service arrangements. Managing legal aspects of grid connection including connection agreements, interface deeds, and regulatory compliance with AEMO and TNSPs. Advising on land acquisition, access, easements, and tenure arrangements critical to project development. Managing planning, permitting, and environmental approval processes from a legal risk perspective. Supporting financing and investment transactions, including due diligence, security documentation, and offtake arrangements. Advising on corporate governance, compliance obligations, and risk management within the Australian regulatory framework. Providing commercially pragmatic advice to internal stakeholders across business development, engineering, and project delivery teams. Managing relationships with external legal advisers and ensuring quality, cost-effective delivery of external advice. Preparing legal reports, risk assessments, and strategy papers for senior leadership and global legal teams. About the Ideal Candidate The successful candidate will be an experienced front-end projects lawyer with a strong track record in construction, energy, or infrastructure, ideally with exposure to renewable energy and BESS. Our client is looking for someone with: 6–10 years’ post-admission experience, gained in a top-tier or leading mid-tier law firm and/or in-house with a major energy, infrastructure, or resources company. Demonstrated expertise in front-end construction and infrastructure law, with significant experience in EPC and supply contracts. Exposure to renewable energy, BESS, or large-scale infrastructure projects highly regarded. Strong understanding of project finance principles, investment structures, and bankability issues for energy projects. Familiarity with land, planning, and environmental frameworks relevant to infrastructure development in Australia. Experience liaising with regulators, government agencies, and industry bodies. Ability to operate effectively within a global corporate structure, including managing cross-border legal issues. Excellent negotiation and drafting skills, with a pragmatic approach to balancing legal risk and commercial imperatives. Australian practising certificate and a strong academic background in law. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. A proactive, hands-on mindset suited to working in a lean but high-performing legal function. About the Organisation Our client is a recognised international leader in renewable energy and storage development, with a growing presence in Australia. The organisation combines technical expertise with global experience to deliver cutting-edge BESS and infrastructure projects that are shaping the transition to clean energy. With a strong pipeline of projects in delivery and development, the legal team plays a central role in advancing the organisation’s ambitious strategy in the Australian energy transition. Why Apply? This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior in-house legal role with direct exposure to game-changing energy storage projects. The organisation offers an attractive package including: $230,000 – $260,000 sign-on bonus. Performance-based bonuses linked to individual, team, and company performance. Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits. Flexible working arrangements. Professional development and international exposure opportunities. Genuine career progression in a dynamic, high-growth sector. Location: Melbourne or Sydney How to Apply Candidates should apply online with a Cover Letter and CV outlining relevant front-end legal, construction, and infrastructure experience. For further information contact: Ivan Pignataro Director D’Arcy Weil T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 E: ivan@darcyweil.com
