Employment Lawyer – PAE 5 years +

Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia • Full-time
AI Job Summary
  • Minimum 5+ years PAE in Employment Law (or strong employment focus in a broader practice).
  • Experience advising on workplace disputes and employment issues including contracts, disputes, terminations and unfair/s
  • Interest in pursuing or achieving Specialist Accreditation in Employment Law.

Role Type

Permanent • Full-time • Mid-level Senior

Description

Are you ready to focus on high-quality more autonomy, stronger client ownership and the support of a growing specialist firm? 

Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers is a rapidly expanding specialist Business & Litigation firm with offices in Newcastle and Sydney. We work closely with growing SMEs to solve complex legal problems, manage legal risk and support the key people, contracts, transactions and decisions that help businesses grow and evolve. 

 We are looking for an experienced Employment Lawyer who wants to focus their practice and take real carriage of matters. 

This role is likely to suit a lawyer who wants more autonomy to manage clients and files from end to end, particularly if you are currently in a larger firm or working across several practice areas and want to specialise.  You may already be a senior associate or ready to step up to this level.

 

Why This Opportunity Stands Out 

We have invested in the people, systems and support that allow our Lawyers to focus on high value legal work, client relationships and practice growth. 

You will be supported by experienced legal assistants, strong systems and processes, and dedicated Operations, Workplace Experience, People & Culture and Sales & Marketing teams. 

We also place a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration, with regular team huddles, 1:1s, matter reviews, and daily solicitor and legal assistant catch ups, helping our people stay connected and supported. 

 

Grow Your Employment Practice in Sydney 

You will report to a specialist in Employment Law who already manages a team effectively across Sydney and Newcastle. 

You will work closely with him on existing employment matters while also taking direct responsibility for your own clients and files. The role is designed to give you strong technical support, clear supervision when needed and genuine scope to manage matters with confidence and independence. 

 

Complex Work with Commercially Engaged Clients 

We work with privately owned SMEs, business owners, directors and commercially engaged clients who value clear, practical and strategic employment advice. We are selective about the matters we take on so our lawyers can focus on complex, commercially meaningful work with clients who understand the value of specialist legal expertise. 

You will advise clients on matters including: 

  • employment contracts, workplace policies and restraint of trade matters, 
  • performance management, disciplinary processes and workplace investigations,
  • termination of employment, redundancy and unfair dismissal claims,
  • general protections, adverse action and discrimination claims,
  • employment disputes in the Fair Work Commission and other employment-related forums,
  • industrial relations compliance, awards, enterprise agreements and workplace obligations,
  • executive employment, senior employee exits and commercially sensitive workplace issues, or
  • employment issues arising in business sales, restructures, insolvency and commercial disputes 

Be Rewarded for the Value you Deliver

We want strong performance to have meaningful financial upside. 

This role is eligible for our generous individual fee earner commission. Once you meet your agreed fee target, commission is paid monthly in addition to salary and there is no cap on what you can earn. 

We also recognise contribution beyond individual billing. As our lawyers take on responsibilities such as leadership, graduate mentoring and business development, performance expectations can be adjusted to recognise that contribution.  Initiatives like these, our support structure and various policies have been thoughtfully introduced to ensure that high performance is achievable and sustainable 

 

What We Offer 

  • Competitive salary plus uncapped monthly individual fee earner commission,
  • clear and transparent career pathways,
  • leadership and professional development,
  • financial support and study leave for Specialist Accreditation,
  • annual CPD budget,
  • experienced legal support and dedicated corporate services,
  • regular feedback and structured communication rhythms,
  • flexible working, including the ability to work from home, and
  • a People First culture focused on sustainable high performance. 

About You 

This role is likely to suit you if you: 

  • have 5+ years PAE in Employment Law or a strong employment law focus within a broader practice,
  • have experience advising on workplace disputes, employment contracts, performance management, termination, unfair dismissal, general protections and employment compliance matters,
  • can confidently manage employment matters and client relationships with autonomy,
  • are commercially minded and enjoy understanding the operational and people risks that influence business decisions, 
  • want to focus your career in Employment Law and develop specialist expertise in a growing practice,
  • enjoy taking ownership of files, managing client expectations and driving matters forward from end to end,
  • want to build your profile and contribute to the growth of the Sydney Workplace Team,
  • value strong supervision but do not want to be held back from managing clients and matters independently,
  • are interested in Specialist Accreditation in Employment Law,
  • value high standards, specialist expertise and commercially useful advice. 

 

How To Apply 

If you are an experienced Employment Lawyer and are curious about what you could build with more autonomy, support and commercial upside, we would like to hear from you. 

 

Please apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role. 

 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.