Head of Legal – Property

This is a senior in-house legal role within an established Australian investment and property business operating across real assets and development projects.

Reporting to senior management, you will act as a trusted legal adviser across property transactions, commercial matters, governance and regulatory compliance.

The role is hands-on and suited to an experienced lawyer who is comfortable operating with autonomy, exercising sound judgement and balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.

While the business operates in a regulated environment, this is not a heavily process-driven or bureaucratic legal function.

The emphasis is on practical, high-quality legal advice that supports transactions, asset management and sustainable growth.

Property & Commercial Legal Advice  

• Lead legal input on property acquisitions and disposals, including due diligence and transaction management
• Draft, review and negotiate development agreements, leases and complex property documentation
• Advise on asset management and operational property matters
• Identify and manage legal risk across property and commercial transactions 

Regulatory, Risk & Compliance  

• Provide senior-level support on regulatory and compliance obligations relevant to the business
• Assist with the maintenance and improvement of legal and compliance frameworks, policies and procedures
• Identify emerging legal and regulatory risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies
• Liaise with regulators and external advisers where required 

Governance & Corporate Support  

• Provide legal support on governance matters, including policies, delegations and internal controls
• Assist with board and executive documentation and reporting as required
• Support sound corporate governance and record-keeping practices 

External Counsel Management  

• Instruct, manage and review advice from external legal advisers
• Ensure external advice is commercially focused, proportionate and cost effective 

About you  

• Australian-qualified lawyer with at least 8 years’ post-admission experience
• Strong background in property law, with exposure to transactional and development work
• Experience gained in private practice and/or in-house environments
• Working knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to property or investment businesses
• Commercial, pragmatic and confident operating as a senior in-house adviser
• Comfortable engaging with executives and senior stakeholders 

What this role offers  

• A senior, autonomous in-house role with meaningful responsibility
• Direct access to commercial decision-makers
• Broad exposure across property, commercial and governance matters
• A stable, established business with a pragmatic operating style 

For a confidential discussion or further information, please contact Ross Dakin on 0431267250 or ️ ross@peppercornrecruitment.com.au