Solicitor / Legal Consultant - Resources Law

Here is the updated Job Description with all specific client and firm references removed, making it completely confidential for your recruiter to use:

Role Location: Perth, Western Australia

Position: Legal Consultant / Associate Solicitor - Resources & Tenement Law

Engagement Type: Direct Hire / Contract / Contract-to-Hire

Target PQE: 3-8+ Years PQE

We are seeking an experienced Legal Consultant / Solicitor specializing in Resources & Tenement Law to support a leading specialist practice in Perth, WA.

This position focuses on delivering strategic commercial, regulatory, and tenement advice to exploration and mining companies operating across Western Australia. The role is ideal for a commercially minded lawyer with hands-on experience in mining tenure compliance, environmental management, and native title law.

• Mining Tenure & Regulatory Advice: Advise exploration and mining clients on legal compliance, tenement management, applications, renewals, and statutory obligations under the Mining Act 1978 (WA).

• Native Title & Land Access: Negotiate land access arrangements and landholder agreements; navigate Native Title / Right to Negotiate processes and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage compliance.

• Independent Tenement Reports: Assist in drafting Independent Solicitor/Tenement Reports for due diligence, M&A transactions, and stock exchange prospectus listings (ASX, TSX, SGX) in accordance with VALMIN Code requirements.

• Commercial Drafting & Transactions: Draft and review commercial resources agreements, including Joint Venture (JV) agreements, farm-ins/farm-outs, royalty agreements, and access deeds.

• Warden's Court Support: Assist with Warden's Court proceedings, plaints, objections, and landholder arbitration matters.

• Education & Admission: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor; admitted as a Solicitor in Western Australia (or eligible for immediate WA practicing certificate).

• Experience: 3 to 8+ years PQE with a core focus on Resources, Mining Tenure, Native Title, or Environmental Law.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Solid operational understanding of Western Australian mining legislation, environmental approvals, and native title frameworks.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong legal drafting, research, and negotiation skills, with experience advising junior explorers through to mid-tier/major mining entities.

• Location: Perth, WA (or candidates open to immediate relocation).

• Target Sourcing Keywords: Mining Tenure, Mining Act 1978 (WA), Native Title, Land Access, Warden's Court, Independent Tenement Reports, VALMIN Code, Resources Law.

• Candidate Screening Questions:

  1. How many years of direct experience do you have with WA mining tenure and Native Title processes?

  2. Have you drafted or contributed to Independent Tenement/Solicitor Reports for prospectus listings or M&A due diligence?

  3. What is your current notice period/availability and preferred engagement model (Direct Hire, Contract, or Contract-to-Hire)?