Construction Lawyer

Company Description

BESIX Watpac is an Australian multi-disciplinary construction company, backed by a century of global expertise and financial strength. A wholly owned subsidiary of the award-winning international contractor BESIX Group, we specialise in complex construction across all sectors, including building and infrastructure projects.

Today the Group has more than $7B work in hand and is operating in 25 countries, employing 11,000 people globally. The world’s tallest tower, the iconic Burj Khalifa, showcases our innovation and engineering distinction. With international hubs located in Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, we are united by one common purpose - we excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world.

Job Description

BESIX Watpac is seeking an in-house Construction Lawyer to work closely with our Vic & SA Construction business unit, providing support and advice in the review, management and improvement of BESIX Watpac's contracts and agreements.

Based in our Melbourne CBD office, the key responsibilities of this position include:

• Advise the business on contract interpretation and administration on our projects.
• Identify and advise on key contractual and legal risks and provide advice to the business on risk management and dispute avoidance.
• Prepare returnable schedules regarding proposed head contract departures including where required, preparing amendments to the head contract.
• Attend tender, contract and dispute resolution discussions and negotiations.
• Prepare special conditions to BESIX Watpac’s template suite of agreements to ensure compliance with the head contract requirements.
• Review and respond to proposed departures by subcontractors and consultants to BESIX Watpac’s template suite of agreements.
• Review confidentiality agreements and memoranda of understandings and draft necessary amendments.
• Assist in the management of formal legal disputes, including coordination of external legal counsel.

Qualifications

The incumbent in this role will require the following qualifications and experience:

• Degree in law and current practising certificate (or capable of having one).
• 3-7 years PQE experienced in construction law (preferably including front end experience).
• Ability to communicate, influence and build effective relationships at all levels of the business.
• Ability to apply principles of logic to a wide range of theoretical and practical problems.

Additional Information

Along with a competitive remuneration package and long-term career development opportunities, our employees enjoy access to the following benefits:

• Wellbeing Days - three additional leave days per year.
• Awards and Recognition Program, rewarding employees who bring our values to life.
• Access to a wellbeing program including annual skin checks and flu vaccinations.
• Corporate discounts to gym memberships, meal subscriptions and more.
• Social events and Family Days.

At BESIX Watpac, we are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone is valued, supported and respected. By embracing all ages, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, education and appearance, our people feel safe, empowered, and motivated to be their best.  If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick all the boxes, we encourage you to apply if you have transferable skills and believe you would be a great fit with BESIX Watpac.

Join our talented and passionate team delivering once-in-a-generation projects.

BESIX Watpac acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging.