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Senior Associate Solicitor – Family Law

DRFL – Solicitors Newcastle • Newcastle, New South Wales 2300, Australia • Full-time
AI Job Summary
  • Minimum 5+ years Post Admission Experience in Family Law.
  • Ability to manage files from initial consultation through to resolution.
  • Demonstrated advocacy experience and confidence appearing in court.

Role Type

Permanent • Full-time • Mid-level Senior

Description

Complex Work. Structured Support. Clear Pathway to Leadership & Equity. 

Are you ready to take the next step in your Family Law career? We can offer you the support, structure, and development you need to grow into a leadership role. 

At Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers, we exist to secure the best possible future for our clients and their families.  As one of the largest specialist Family Law teams in New South Wales outside of Sydney, our Newcastle office offers the scale, resources and complexity of work that is rarely found in the local market. 

 We are seeking an experienced Family Lawyer (5+ years PAE) who is ready to deepen their expertise, contribute to a high-performing team and build a clear pathway toward leadership. 

 

Why We Are Different: 

We expect high performance, but we do not apply unreasonable pressure to individuals to achieve it. 

We take a systems-based approach to legal practice. We focus on the leadership, workflow, delegation, technology and development structures that support high-quality work and sustainable performance. 

We continuously improve our systems and workflows to remove friction points and support our Solicitors to perform at their best. 

In practice, this means: 

  • you are supported by strong systems, precedents and processes, 
  • you are not left to find workarounds for operational inefficiencies,
  • targets are challenging but achievable, and 
  • high performance is built through support, not pressure. 

 What You Will Experience: 

Complex, Meaningful Work 

You will work on a broad range of parenting and property matters, including high value and commercially complex cases. 

A Clear Pathway to Leadership 

This role has a defined pathway to Team Leader, with early opportunities to mentor Graduates and Junior Lawyers and build leadership capability.   

You will be coached and developed to refine your expertise in complex areas of  Family Law. 

A Structure That Supports You 

As part of a broader legal services group of more than 50 people, you will be supported by experienced Team Leaders, a high-performing legal support team, and dedicated Operations, Sales & Marketing and People & Culture functions. 

You will also have continuous access to guidance from highly experienced practitioners, including Accredited Specialists in Family Law and solicitors with more than 20 years’ experience in the field. 

Ongoing Development 

You will benefit from structured 1:1s, quarterly goal setting, regular matter reviews, continuous feedback, fortnightly Lunch & Learns, leadership training & development and support for achieving Specialist Accreditation. 

About the Role: 

You will manage your own files from start to finish while working within a high-performing, collaborative team. You will have the support and autonomy to delegate appropriate lower-level tasks to Assistants, Paralegals and Junior Family Lawyers.  

You will: 

  • manage a mix of parenting and property matters, 
  • appear in court and continue to develop your advocacy skills, 
  • build strong relationships with clients and referrers,  
  • contribute to team performance and culture, 
  • mentor Junior Lawyers and support their development, and 
  • continue to build your technical and strategic capability. 

 About You: 

This role is likely to suit you if you: 

  • have 5+ years of PAE in Family Law, 
  • can confidently manage files from initial consultation through to resolution, 
  • have experience in complex parenting and property matters, 
  • have advocacy experience and confidence in court, 
  • are ready to step into a more senior role with a pathway to leadership, 
  • value high standards and delivering excellent client outcomes, and 
  • are motivated to grow your career in a structured, high performing environment. 

 

What We Offer: 

  • competitive annual salary with monthly commission, 
  • annual salary review, 
  • clear pathway to leadership and equity, 
  • Specialist Accreditation support and bonus, 
  • annual CPD budget and regular training, 
  • reward and recognition programs,  
  • flexible working arrangements, 
  • birthday and volunteering leave, and 
  • wellbeing support and a focus on sustainable performance. 

 

Looking Ahead 

We have strong growth plans for our firm. 

For the right person, this role offers genuine progression into leadership, long-term career development and future opportunities across our broader group, including Sydney. 

 

How To Apply:

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a firm that invests in your development, we would love to hear from you. 

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

For a confidential discussion please contact Melanie Winters, People & Culture Manager directly on 02 4070 0607 or mwinters@rcm.com.au.