Senior Associate - Employment/IR

Who we are

Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) is a leading Australian law firm known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters. 

At JWS, we build authentic, long-term relationships and have a deep understanding of our clients and their industries. Our clients say we are pragmatic, strategic, commercial and easy to work with.

Our firm is comprised of more than 450 highly talented people, including 80+ partners, across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra. JWS has also announced the opening of a representative office in New York, strengthening our ability to support US clients investing in Australia. We are globally connected and have strong relationships with major independent law firms around the world.

JWS was recognised as Technology, Media and Telecom M&A Legal Adviser of the Year (Mergermarket M&A Awards Australia 2023), Energy Law Firm of the Year (Best Lawyers 2023) and Australian Law Firm of the Year (Beaton Client Choice Awards 2025). Our lawyers are highly ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal).

We are strongly committed to social justice, responsible business and our diverse communities. We are proud of our pro bono program which focuses on supporting low income, disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Australian community.

 

About the Team

Our Employment team advises in all areas of employment law, industrial disputes, enterprise bargaining, the application and interpretation of industrial instruments (including wage remediation processes), disciplinary and performance management matters (including termination of employment), discrimination and harassment complaints, executive employment and dismissal.

 

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Associate (4-7 PQE) to join our Employment team in our Melbourne office.

You will be involved in high-profile industrial relations and employment law matters, playing a pivotal role in advising and resolving disputes.

Your role is key to managing a range of employment matters, including drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting workplace investigations, and undertaking specialist corporate support to our corporate and transactional teams, Your responsibilities will also include reviewing awards, drafting policies, and providing expert advice on employment law issues.

These are exciting opportunities for passionate, energetic, and commercially-minded lawyers to join a growing and thriving team.

 

About You

You will have a strong career and track record to date and a technical aptitude that has allowed you over your career to:

• Deliver legal advice with a commercial and client focused outlook, always
• Work well under pressure, meet your deadlines and excel working in a team
• Have strong communication and stakeholder management skills and you use them effectively, internally and externally
• Take a collaborative, positive and energetic approach to everything you do; and
• Have gained employment and industrial relations law experience in a private practice environment

 

Working at Johnson Winter Slattery

We value collaboration and our teams work together to achieve shared outcomes. We care about the wellbeing of our people and will invest time in understanding your objectives so we can support you throughout your career. We believe it’s this focus on our people that has seen our firm grow rapidly to become one of Australia’s leading independent law firms.

We pride ourselves on being down-to-earth, approachable, and always high-performing. We have worked hard to create a culture where people look out for each other.

We offer:

• A collegiate environment with a collaborative culture across offices and practice groups
• High-quality work with committed mentors supporting your career development
• Comprehensive benefits including competitive remuneration, flexible working, and extensive social and wellbeing initiatives
• Opportunities for professional growth through structured learning and development programs, pro bono work, and employee recognition initiatives

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity to take your career to the next level, then we would love to hear from you.

 

We are committed to promoting a workplace that is diverse and inclusive. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion, or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or age - to fulfil their professional aspirations with us. In particular we would welcome applications from First Nations candidates.

 

Johnson Winter Slattery pays respect to Elders past and present of our nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We honour the deep spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to the Australian landscape, including Australia’s waterways, land, and sea country.