About Us
JHK Legal is a dynamic and innovative Australian law firm committed to providing approachable, expedient and economically transparent legal services to clients. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace where every team member contributes to our success. We are
seeking a talented and motivated Senior Lawyer specialising in Litigation to join our dynamic team.
The Role – Senior Litigation Lawyer – Commercial Litigation & Insolvency
We are seeking a technically strong and commercially astute Senior Litigation Lawyer (4 to 8+ years PAE) to play a key leadership role within our Commercial Litigation and Insolvency practice in Melbourne.
This role is suited to a lawyer who:
•Is capable of running complex Magistrates/County/Supreme and Federal Court litigation with limited
supervision
•Has meaningful insolvency experience (corporate and/or personal)
•Can supervise junior lawyers and paralegals effectively
•Contributes to revenue growth and client development
•Is progressing toward Special Counsel or Principals
This is not a senior technician role only. It is a leadership and performance role within a boutique, strategy-driven practice. This role requires a move from “excellent lawyer” to “practice contributor.”
Core Responsibilities
1. Complex Commercial Litigation
• Conduct and manage complex disputes in:
o Supreme and County Courts of Victoria
o Federal Court of Australia
• Develop litigation strategy in consultation with Partners
• Draft and settle complex pleadings, applications and submissions
• Manage large-scale evidence and disclosure processes
• Prepare matters for mediation and trial
• Instruct and strategically brief Counsel
• Appear unled in interlocutory and appropriate final hearings
You will be expected to run substantial matters independently while keeping Principals informed of
strategic risk.
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2. Insolvency & Restructuring Leadership
• Act for liquidators, administrators, trustees and secured creditors
• Conduct and supervise:
o Winding up proceedings
o Voidable transaction claims
o Insolvent trading claims
o Public examinations
o Security enforcement litigation
• Provide strategic advice to directors in distressed scenarios
• Identify recovery avenues and commercial leverage points
You must understand not only procedure, but commercial recovery outcomes.
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3. Supervision & Team Development
• Supervise Associates and/or junior lawyers across allocated matters
• Review and settle junior drafting
• Delegate effectively while maintaining file control
• Mentor junior team members in advocacy and strategy
• Contribute to performance reviews
A Senior Lawyer in this role is expected to lift the capability of the team.
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4. Client & Commercial Contribution
• Act as primary client contact on significant matters
• Deliver commercially clear and strategic written advice
• Manage matter budgets and cost control
• Contribute to client retention and expansion
• Develop and maintain referrer relationships
You will be expected to contribute to revenue growth, not simply service existing work.
Personal Attributes
• Commercially pragmatic
• Strategically minded
• Accountable and performance-driven
• Resilient in high-pressure litigation environments
• Confident communicator with clients and Counsel
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to Human Resources at recruitment@jhklegal.com.au. Please include “Your Name, Melbourne Senior Litigation Lawyer” in the subject line.
Applications Close: 4 April 2026
We Offer
At JHK Legal, we believe in creating a workplace where our team feels valued, supported and inspired. We offer a range of benefits and regular events to promote a positive and connected team culture, including:
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Close mentoring from leaders in the profession
• Employee referral program
• Paid parental leave and volunteer leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Regular social activities;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Celebrations for birthdays, achievements and special
milestones
JHK Legal is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage
applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Only applicants who are shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.
