Legal Counsel (Property) (12 Month Contract)
Date: 12 Jan 2026
Location: THORNLEIGH, NSW, AU, 2120
Company: McDonald's Corporation
McDonald’s Australia is the largest quick service restaurant operation in the country. Fondly known as “Macca's”, we have been a household name in Australia for over 50 years, we believe that our customers are the heart and soul of everything we do and make it our mission to make every moment count! As an employer of choice winner time and time again, working with us means taking pride and having fun along the way; while growing and developing your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Could you be our next Legal Counsel (Property)?
McDonald’s Australia’s legal team are on the lookout for their next Property Lawyer to support McDonald’s National Development Group (NDG) who are ambitious about restaurant growth and expansion. By leveraging your expertise in property transactions across commercial leasing, acquisitions and disposals, your mission is to provide timely and superior legal support across the development, planning, construction, design, portfolio, and asset management functions of the NDG team. With your keen eye for detail, an appetite for working autonomously and an eagerness to contribute to an iconic global brand, are you the Property Lawyer we are looking for? Enjoy trading billable hours for a more balanced work-life dynamic and a focus on strategic support.
What can you expect on a day-to-day basis?
- Providing legal support to the National Development Group for McDonald’s Australia
- Examining risks to the business and recommending solutions for risk mitigation and minimisation
- Identifying opportunities to improve legal processes, policies, and procedures to encourage continuous improvement
- Reporting to the FIRB and management of FIRB reports and programs
- Advising on development matters including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and McDonald’s Australia’s asset portfolio
Your keys to success:
- 3-5 years post-qualification experience practising commercial property law (previous in-house corporate, or mid, or top-tier law firm experience is highly regarded)
- Proven capacity to managing a business portfolio with diverse functions, needs and people
- Proven ability to work autonomously and making decisions both efficiently and independently
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills used to build strong relationships with stakeholders
Relish in the Macca’s difference when you join the Golden Arches:
- Highly Flexible Work Environment. Our teams have embraced a hybrid working model, balancing working remotely and connecting in the office to support our people and how they best add value.
- Birthday & Volunteer Leave. Enjoy a day-off during your birthday month and 3 days annually to volunteer for a registered charity you are passionate about.
- Ongoing Professional Development. We are committed to developing our people by investing in leadership programs and free access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Modern Office with Sustainable Amenities. Newly revamped office located in Thornleigh featuring the latest technology and electric car chargers to support eco-friendly commuting.
- Macca’s Staff Discount & Retail Discounts. Enjoy discounted Macca’s at any restaurant across Australia and access to hundreds of retail discounts.
- Access To Our 24/7 Wellbeing Partner (Sonder) For You & Your Immediate Family. Using the Sonder app, access free and confidential safety, medical and mental health support via chat or phone with accredited professionals.
- A Fun & Vibrant Culture. Immerse yourself in local and Macca’s only events and experiences from day one of working with us.
At Macca’s, our doors are open to everyone, and we live by our Golden Rule: treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, always. We’re committed to building a safe, inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered - it’s our people who make us Macca’s.
As an equal opportunity employer, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you have a disability, illness or injury and need adjustments during the recruitment process, we’re here to help, just reach out to start the conversation.