Our client is a leading international renewable energy developer and operator with a substantial Australian portfolio spanning wind, solar, and battery storage projects. They are actively developing and constructing multiple large-scale renewable energy facilities across Australia, representing billions of dollars in capital investment. The organisation specialises in the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects from greenfield development through construction to long-term operations. Their current Australian pipeline includes several major wind and solar farms in various stages of development and construction, supported by long-term power purchase agreements with corporate and government offtakers. They are seeking a Legal Counsel with 4-6 years post-qualification experience to specialise in front-end construction legal support. This role focuses on the critical development and construction phases of renewable energy projects, requiring deep expertise in construction contracting and the ability to manage high-stakes commercial negotiations. The Role As Legal Counsel - Front-End Construction, you will provide specialist legal support for renewable energy projects from late-stage development through financial close and construction delivery. This role requires expertise in EPC and construction contracts, with a focus on managing legal risk during the most capital-intensive phase of project delivery. You will lead the negotiation and execution of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, turbine and module supply agreements, and balance of plant contracts. Your work will directly enable financial close and construction commencement on major renewable energy developments. This is a highly specialised role offering deep technical expertise in construction contracting within the renewable energy sector, working alongside development, engineering, and commercial teams on Australia's largest renewable energy projects. Key Responsibilities Lead negotiation and drafting of EPC contracts for wind, solar, and battery storage projects (typically $150M - $500M value) Negotiate turbine supply agreements, solar module procurement contracts, and balance of plant agreements Manage legal aspects of construction procurement including tender processes, contractor selection, and bid evaluations Draft and negotiate construction-related agreements including site access, laydown areas, and construction services Support financial close processes including review of lender requirements, security documentation, and construction completion tests Advise on construction risk allocation including performance guarantees, liquidated damages, and warranty provisions Negotiate variation and change order processes, delay and extension of time mechanisms Provide legal support during construction delivery including contract administration, dispute resolution, and claims management Draft and negotiate defects liability provisions, performance testing protocols, and commissioning requirements Support interface management between multiple construction contracts and third-party agreements Advise on insurance requirements, bonding, and parent company guarantees for construction contracts Manage legal aspects of contractor default, step-in rights, and termination scenarios Coordinate with external legal counsel on specialist construction law matters Contribute to contract templates and playbooks for construction procurement Essential Requirements Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with admission to practice in Australia 4-6 years post-qualification experience (PQE) with substantial construction contracting expertise Proven experience negotiating large-scale EPC, D&C, or construction contracts (preferably $50M value) Deep understanding of construction law including AS 2124, AS 4000, or FIDIC contract forms Experience with performance guarantees, liquidated damages, and construction risk allocation mechanisms Strong knowledge of construction delay analysis, extension of time claims, and variation management Understanding of contractor insolvency, security of payment, and construction liens Excellent negotiation skills with experience managing complex multi-party construction negotiations Ability to provide practical, commercially focused advice during high-pressure construction phases Strong drafting skills with attention to detail on technical construction terms Experience working collaboratively with engineering, commercial, and project delivery teams Proven ability to manage multiple construction contracts concurrently Desirable Criteria Substantial experience in renewable energy construction contracts (wind, solar, or battery storage) Knowledge of turbine supply agreements, module procurement, and renewable energy equipment contracts Experience with project finance documentation and lender construction requirements Understanding of engineering design standards, technical specifications, and performance testing for renewable energy Familiarity with AS/NZS electrical and construction standards relevant to renewable energy projects Experience managing construction disputes, adjudication, and alternative dispute resolution Knowledge of environmental approvals, planning conditions, and construction compliance requirements Understanding of offshore construction, marine works, or specialist renewable energy construction (e.g., offshore wind) Experience in a corporate in-house legal role within energy, infrastructure, or construction sectors Exposure to operations and maintenance contract negotiations Working Arrangement Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility between office and remote work. Occasional travel to construction sites and project locations across Australia may be required during critical project phases. Remuneration and Benefits Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience Performance-based incentive programme Novated leasing arrangements Comprehensive private health insurance options Annual salary reviews Additional annual leave purchase options Professional development support including continuing legal education (CLE) and construction law training Collaborative working environment with renewable energy and construction professionals Opportunity to work on Australia's largest renewable energy construction projects Career progression opportunities within a global renewable energy organisation Exposure to cutting-edge renewable energy technologies and construction methodologies Employee wellness programmes and EAP support Flexible working arrangements Selection Process Initial screening discussion with D'Arcy Weil consultant Detailed interview with D'Arcy Weil Interview with client legal and project delivery leadership Final interview with senior leadership Reference and qualification checks Please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing: Your experience negotiating and managing large-scale construction or EPC contracts, including deal values and complexity Your understanding of construction law, risk allocation, and contractor management Examples of renewable energy or infrastructure construction projects you have supported Your approach to managing legal risk during construction delivery and contractor negotiations Your interest in specialising in construction law within the renewable energy sector For Further Information Contact Ivan Pignataro | Director D'Arcy Weil T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 E: ivan@darcyweil.com Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. They encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
