Construction Law Partner - Sydney

Yvonne Kelly • October 1, 2026

Our Client is a high-performing multi award winning boutique law firm. Known for delivering premium, high quality legal advice, they offer a collaborative, flexible, and highly progressive and transparent environment. The practice services an exceptional client base, spanning mid to top tier contractors, global property developers, infrastructure participants, and major project stakeholders.


Due to strategic growth, they are seeking an entrepreneurial Construction Law Partner to join our thriving practice

 

They will consider an ambitious Senior Associate or Special Counsel ready to make the step up, provided you bring a viable, portable book of business.

 

Position Overview

  • Role: Partner
  • Location: Sydney CBD (with hybrid/WFH flexibility)
  • Practice Type: A mix of front-end project advisory/drafting and back-end dispute resolution
  • Remuneration: Highly competitive base package tailored to seniority and book value, featuring transparent bonus structures


Key Responsibilities

  • Practice Growth: Leverage your existing network to sustain and expand your portable practice, driving new revenue streams for the firm.
  • Project Delivery (Front-End): Oversee and execute complex project documentation, including contract drafting, risk allocation, project agreements, and commercial negotiations.
  • Dispute Resolution (Back-End): Manage complex construction disputes across security of payment adjudications, expert determination, arbitration, and Supreme Court litigation.
  • Leadership & Mentoring: Guide, supervise, and develop junior associates and graduates, fostering a high-performing and supportive team culture.
  • Strategic Advisory: Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to clients, offering pragmatic, lateral solutions to high-stakes legal and project risks.

 

About You

  • To ensure success in this role, you will bring:
  • Experience Level: Ideally 8+ years Post Admission Experience (PAE) specialising in Australian building and construction law.
  • Client Portfolio: A proven track record of portable fees or a highly transportable practice (mandatory for Senior Associate or Special Counsel applicants looking to transition).
  • Technical Excellence: Strong command of standard industry suites and deep knowledge of the NSW regulatory landscape (including SOPA and DBPA).
  • Commercial Mindset: An analytical, practical approach to lawyering that prioritises client outcomes over billable metrics.
  • Admissions: Currently admitted (or eligible for immediate admission) to practice as a solicitor in New South Wales.

 

Outstanding terms are on offer for an ambitious and passionate construction lawyer.

 

For more information, please contact Yvonne Kelly in strict confidence

📞: +61 405216810

✉️: ykelly@keanemcdonald.com

 

Absolute discretion is assured.

 

I'm here to help you through every step of your next career move, drawing on over 20 years in recruitment. Whether you'd like to talk through this role, hear about other opportunities we're working on, or just get a sense of what's happening in the market, get in touch today to arrange a confidential chat.



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