Senior Legal Counsel (Construction)

• Provide expert legal advice and counsel on all development and construction matters, including contracts, regulatory compliance, zoning laws, permits, environmental regulations, and dispute resolution.

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts, request for tender conditions and other legal documents to protect the interests of CDC and mitigate potential risks.

• Develop, implement and support training of the Development team on contract administration and management systems including standardised templates, process flowcharts and process checklists.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with construction projects, including issues related to project delays, cost overruns, disputes, and regulatory compliance.

• Lead or assist in resolving construction disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, as necessary. Develop strategies to achieve favorable outcomes while minimising legal and financial exposure.

• Manage external legal counsel regarding legal advice and dispute management, as required.

• Conduct thorough due diligence reviews of construction projects, contracts, and transactions to identify potential legal issues, liabilities, and risks.

• Stay abreast of changes in construction laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure compliance and minimise legal exposure for clients. Provide guidance on navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance legal processes, procedures, and best practices within the construction law practice area. Stay updated on industry trends and emerging legal issues.

• Mentor and impart knowledge to the Legal team.

• Lead, attend and contribute to appropriate team and stakeholder meetings and committees as required and relevant to ensure excellent stakeholder engagement and communication.

• Embrace and model CDC’s DNA and Leadership Fundamentals.

• Other duties as direction from time to time.

• 5-7 years’ experience with proven experience in private practice and preferably, some time working in-house.

• Construction legal practice experience on large complex infrastructure projects essential.

• Strong understanding of construction contracts, project management principles, and relevant legal frameworks

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.

• Extensive experience in legal drafting, commercial negotiation, contract implementation and contentious advisory in the delivery of complex projects.

• Ability to ensure that legal professional privilege is maintained wherever required.

• Experience in applying legal and regulatory knowledge to protect and enhance commercial interests of the business.

• Strong ability to advise, manage and proactively manage (and avoid) contentious claims and disputes

• Well-developed analytical and conceptual skills

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to use persuasive strategies within CDC, with counterparties, contractors and with external stakeholders, including suppliers.

• Ability to clearly communicate difficult legal concepts to different parts of the business

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with, influence, and build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the business and manage competing deadlines.

• Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent and holds a current Australian practising certificate

• Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain AGSVA Security Clearance at Negative Vetting 2 level.

CDC Data Centres