Join Our Team as Senior Legal Counsel at Scape Australia and RTL Co
Scape Australia is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide high-level legal expertise and strategic counsel across a range of key business areas. This generalist role, with a focus on real estate, will support our dynamic projects and operations, including our purpose-built student accommodation business, Build-to-Rent (BTR) business, and expansion into the broader living sector.
As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring Scape remains compliant and well-positioned to navigate legal risks, all while fostering strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Role Summary:
The Senior Legal Counsel will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel and provide expert legal guidance on complex corporate and real estate matters, with a focus on Scape’s growing portfolio in purpose-built student accommodation, BTR, and other residential sectors. This includes major corporate and real estate transactions, addressing issues across compliance, construction, disputes, debt/equity, workplace relations, and operational challenges. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional legal acumen and strategic thinking to influence decision-making at all levels of the business.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Legal advice and compliance
* Deliver comprehensive, practical, and solution-focused legal advice to support organisational objectives and mitigate legal risk across all areas of Scape’s business
* Offer in-depth legal insights and recommendations to drive informed decision-making
* Lead the drafting, reviewing, and implementation of internal governance policies to ensure robust legal compliance and ensure regular reporting
* Effectively manage ongoing legal matters and resolve them efficiently and effectively
2. Legal documentation
* Take charge of negotiating, drafting and reviewing commercial contracts across varied subjects and with multiple stakeholders
* Oversee the delivery of legal documentation and ensure it is compliant, precise, and well-executed
* Interpret and advise on legal documents, including contracts, policy documents, and other essential materials
3. Stakeholder management
* Manage key internal and external stakeholder relationships, including legal advisors, authorities, and government partners
* Cultivate strong working relationships with key business units to address legal risks and ensure optimal outcomes
* Oversee the engagement of external legal services, ensuring they align with business strategy and deliver effective, commercially focused results
4. Risk management
* Proactively identify emerging legal risks and work to mitigate and address potential issues, particularly as Scape expands into new areas of residential development
* Escalate significant legal risks and collaborate with business leaders to develop practical solutions
* Build a strong culture of legal awareness by coaching and supporting leaders in applying legal, governance, and compliance frameworks
Required knowledge, skills, and experience:
* Qualifications: A Law degree and a current Australian Practising Certificate
* Experience: Minimum 6+ years post-admission experience (ideally including 1+ years in-house) in corporate or real estate legal sector
* Preferable generalist experience: Experience across commercial contracts, corporations law, property law, construction law, intellectual property, privacy law, litigation, compliance, will be viewed favourably
* Strategic thinking: Proven ability to offer strategic legal advice on complex regulatory and business matters
* Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication, with an ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
* Problem solving: A proactive, solution-oriented mindset and a strong sense of ownership and responsibility
* Team player: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a broader legal and commercial team
* Prioritisation: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
At Scape, we honor and welcome the rich heritage and contributions of First Nations and Indigenous peoples. Our workplace embraces diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment that respects and values your culture, traditions, and perspectives. Join us in building a harmonious and empowered community where everyone's voice is heard and celebrated.
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