Senior Associate - Energy, Resources and Projects

Location: Melbourne

Contract Type: Permanent

MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest independent law and consulting firms. With a heritage of almost 200 years, we are known for our excellence, and our authentic and enduring relationships with our clients, our people and our communities. Clients seek out MinterEllison to help them solve complex problems every day. We do this by our full-service legal offering and complementary consulting offering.

We offer opportunities to work on industry-leading mandates for top-tier clients, while being part of a high-performing and collaborative team that values excellence, diversity of thought, curiosity, and inclusion. We value our people and empower them to achieve their ambitions - with the support, trust and autonomy to grow their careers in meaningful ways.

At MinterEllison, we're leading the way with AI and other emerging technologies, powering innovation right across our firm. You will have the opportunity to engage with AI tools we've built, and other external AI tools, to enhance efficiencies and excellence internally and with our clients.

We support sustainable ways of working regarding how, when and where you work and offer a wide range of social, financial and health benefits (see https://www.minterellison.com/-/media/Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-Dec_2025.pdf)

Our Team

Our Energy and Resources team in Brisbane is led by partners Brendan Clark, Jordan Phillips, Simon Scott and Joel Reid. The team is one of the largest and most highly regarded energy and resources practices in Queensland, advising across the full spectrum of the sector including renewables, oil and gas, mining, and critical minerals.

We act for a diverse range of clients - from ASX-listed majors and multinational corporations to emerging developers and government bodies - on their most significant and complex projects and transactions. Our work spans project development and financing, joint ventures, regulatory approvals, commercial agreements, and mergers and acquisitions across the energy and resources value chain.

The team is recognised for its deep industry knowledge, commercial acumen and ability to deliver innovative solutions on high-profile matters. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where our people are given the opportunity to grow, develop client relationships and make a meaningful contribution to the team's continued success.

Your Role

A great opportunity exists in our Brisbane office for a Senior Associate to join our Energy and Resources team.  We act on leading projects and transactions across the energy and resources sectors. This is a collegiate team who work on the best deals. You will have the opportunity for independence while undertaking diverse work. You will be part of an impressive culture while enjoying a variety of high value projects and deals.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex project and commercial agreements across the energy and resources sectors, including in the renewables, oil and gas and mining spaces
• advising clients on regulatory frameworks and approval processes relevant to energy and resource projects
• supporting project development and financing transactions, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions across the energy and resources value chain
• managing due diligence workstreams and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders
• engaging directly with clients, building and maintaining strong client relationships and providing commercially focused advice
• supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and supporting their professional development
• contributing to business development initiatives and the continued growth of the practice

For the right candidate, this role offers genuine career advancement opportunities.

More About You

We welcome applications from Senior Associates with experience gained at a reputable law firm or in-house, preferably in the energy & resources space. Ideally, you will have projects experience particularly in the renewables, oil and gas and/or mining sectors.

You will also have: 

• experience with complex contracts and/or relevant regulatory advice

• a client focused approach and a demonstrated ability to form enduring relationships with peers, clients and industry contacts
• a genuine interest in developing your career in a top tier practice
• the ability to thrive in a highly collaborative team environment
• energy and enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence that matches our own
• strong communication, technical drafting and problem-solving skills
• resilience and a commitment to provide exceptional levels of service to our local and international client base

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

We prefer to connect with people directly, so please submit your CV by clicking on the 'Apply' button. We encourage all applications, including if you do not meet all the criteria listed for the role. Your application will also enable us to consider you for other opportunities that may be available at MinterEllison.

If you are currently a MinterEllison employee, please apply through the internal careers page.

If you would like further information, require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or for a confidential discussion, please contact Danielle.Miller@minterellison.com.