Projects & Energy Transition - Lawyer/Associate

Our Projects & Energy Transition practice is seeking an experienced lawyer to join our growing Melbourne team, working alongside Luke Westmore.

Mills Oakley is a leading national law firm with a proud history spanning over 160 years. In that time, we’ve grown into a Top 5 Australian law firm by size while remaining true to our shared vision of exceptional client service with a friendly and collaborative ethos. Mutual trust and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

The Role

Mills Oakley's Projects & Energy Transition practice is seeking an experienced lawyer to join our growing Melbourne team, working alongside Luke Westmore and Tony Rutherford. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on complex, high-profile transactions across the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

Our practice advises developers, investors, contractors, project owners, government agencies and financiers on the development, procurement, construction, operation and acquisition of major projects throughout Australia. We have a particular focus on energy transition and emerging industries, whilst also advising on major infrastructure, digital infrastructure, accommodation, housing and industrial developments.

The successful candidate will work directly with clients on market-leading transactions that are shaping Australia's future economy and will gain broad exposure to sophisticated projects from development through to construction, operation and financing.

You will work on a broad range of matters, including:

• Renewable energy development, including wind, solar and battery storage projects;
• Grid connection arrangements, regulatory issues and energy market matters;
• EPC, construction and procurement contracting;
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and energy offtake arrangements;
• Data centre and digital infrastructure developments;
• Green fuels, hydrogen, biomass and other energy transition initiatives;
• Major infrastructure and project delivery transactions;
• Public-private partnerships (PPPs), alliance contracting and other complex procurement models;
• Housing, accommodation and social infrastructure developments; and
• Complex commercial, construction and project-related transactions.

What You Will Do

You will have the opportunity to work on a diverse mix of market-leading mandates spanning renewable energy, battery storage, data centres, housing, accommodation, transport, social infrastructure and other major infrastructure developments. Our team regularly advises on project development, procurement, construction, financing and operational arrangements for some of Australia's most significant energy transition and infrastructure projects.

The role offers exposure to the full project lifecycle, from early-stage development and structuring through to procurement, construction, operation and project financing. You will work closely with clients and counterparties, take on meaningful responsibility from an early stage and be involved in the delivery of complex, high-value transactions across a range of sectors.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Between 2–3 years' experience in a similar practice, although relevant in-house experience will also be considered;
• Strong projects experience, including exposure to major infrastructure delivery, PPPs and complex construction and procurement structures;
• Experience advising on social infrastructure, transport, energy or other major project developments will be highly regarded;
• A commercial mindset, strong technical skills and excellent drafting ability;
• A proactive and collaborative approach to client service; and
• A genuine interest in the future of Australia's energy and infrastructure sectors.

What We Offer

We take a collaborative approach to learning and development, providing the support, mentoring and opportunities required to help you realise your full potential. We are committed to the wellbeing of our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• Flexible working arrangements;
• Dress for your day;
• Discounted health insurance;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Discounts to gyms and studios across Australia;
• Study and exam leave;
• Competitive referral bonus program; and
• A range of additional employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives.

All applications must include a CV and Cover Letter addressed to the Talent Acquisition team and submitted online via our Careers page.

Requirements