Senior Associate – Commercial Litigation

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join our commercial litigation practice. This is a substantive, high-autonomy role for a technically accomplished litigator who is ready to operate with genuine independence – managing complex proceedings, advising clients directly, collaborating with experienced counsels, and contributing meaningfully to firm strategy.

The successful candidate will be trusted to run matters end-to-end, from initial advice and litigation strategy through to hearing or resolution, with direct access to partners and clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively manage complex commercial disputes across multiple jurisdictions, including Supreme Court and Federal Court
• Prepare and settle pleadings, affidavits, interlocutory applications, and written submissions to the highest standard
• Provide strategic, commercially focused litigation advice directly to clients including boards, executives, and high-net-worth individuals
• Act as day-to-day strategic lead on matters, with accountability for litigation outcomes and cost management
• Advise across a broad range of disputes including commercial and contractual matters, insolvency and restructuring, Corporations Act disputes, shareholder and director matters, and urgent interlocutory applications
• Instruct and manage external counsel where required, maintaining oversight of both strategy and costs
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage legal risk, contributing to broader commercial decision-making
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers, supporting their development within the team
• Participate in business development, client relationship management, and firm growth initiatives

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in commercial litigation, gained at a reputable law firm, the Bar, or in a senior in-house disputes role
• Admission as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW with a current unrestricted practising certificate
• Demonstrated ability to run proceedings with a high degree of autonomy, from strategy through to hearing or resolution
• Strong technical litigation skills across pleadings, evidence, discovery, interlocutory applications, and advocacy
• Experience across a broad range of commercial disputes, with exposure to Corporations Act, insolvency, or financial services matters highly desirable
• Excellent written advocacy skills and the ability to produce precise, compelling legal documents under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to use AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly to enhance legal research, drafting, and workflow efficiency

KEY COMPETENCIES

Technical & Legal

• Legal drafting and written advocacy
• Litigation strategy and risk analysis
• Court procedure and advocacy
• Commercial legal analysis

Commercial & Interpersonal

• Direct client management and communication
• Commercial judgment and pragmatism
• Matter and cost management
• Leadership and team development

WHAT WE OFFER

• Complex, high-stakes commercial litigation with genuine strategic responsibility
• Direct client relationships and access to partners and decision-makers
• Remuneration competitive with the market for the level and calibre of the role
• A collegiate, high-performance culture with clear career progression tied to contribution
• Active support to build your professional profile and market reputation
• A genuine and transparent path to partnership for the right person