Special Counsel, Commercial Litigation

The Opportunity

An established Melbourne law firm is seeking an experienced senior lawyer with the ambition to develop their own practice and play an integral role in the firm's continued growth.

Offering considerable autonomy, this opportunity provides an attractive platform for a commercially minded practitioner looking to expand their client relationships, establish a stronger market presence and take greater ownership of their career.

The firm is open to discussions with Senior Associates, Special Counsel and Partners across a range of commercial practice areas, with particular interest in lawyers specialising in Property, Funds, Commercial Litigation, Construction and Planning.

Whether you have an existing client following or a strong professional network with the potential to generate new business, the firm offers the flexibility and support to build a sustainable practice.

For the right individual, there is a genuine pathway to partnership, with the potential for an appointment at Partner level depending on experience and existing client relationships.

The Role

This is a commercially focused opportunity where the scope of the position can be tailored to your expertise, professional relationships and longer-term ambitions.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Establishing and expanding a client portfolio within your area of specialisation.
  
• Managing complex matters and maintaining strong relationships with key clients.
  
• Identifying new business opportunities through existing networks and market engagement.
  
• Developing and implementing strategies to support practice growth.
  
• Collaborating with lawyers across complementary practice areas to maximise referral opportunities.
  
• Providing strategic and commercially focused legal advice.
  
• Contributing to broader business development initiatives and the firm's long-term direction.
  
• Supporting and mentoring junior practitioners as the practice expands.
  

You will have the independence to shape your practice while accessing established systems, administrative resources and professional support.

About You

The firm is interested in connecting with experienced practitioners who are commercially driven, confident in their technical expertise and motivated to establish or further develop their own client base.

Ideally, you will demonstrate:

• Experience at Senior Associate, Special Counsel or Partner level within a commercial legal practice.
  
• Strong technical knowledge and the ability to manage matters independently.
  
• Established professional relationships and a network of potential clients or referral sources.
  
• A proactive approach to business development and relationship management.
  
• Commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset.
  
• The ability to identify opportunities for growth and build lasting client relationships.
  
• An interest in contributing to the development of a growing legal practice.
  

While an existing client following will be highly regarded, particularly for Partner appointments, the firm is equally interested in practitioners who can demonstrate a clear strategy and genuine potential to establish their own practice.

Career Development

This opportunity offers an alternative to traditional senior legal roles, providing greater involvement in business development, client strategy and the future direction of your practice.

With an established operational structure already in place, you will be able to focus on building client relationships, generating new opportunities and developing your market presence without the complexities of establishing an independent firm.

Appointment level will be considered on an individual basis, with genuine opportunities for partnership and long-term professional growth.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Joseph Germano at joseph.germano@jlegal.com.au or submit your application.

JLegal Australia is a Specialist Legal Recruitment & Executive Search Firm. We offer a full suite of career opportunities for Lawyers, Company Secretary & Governance professionals.