Employment Lawyer - Newcastle, NSW

_{06th October, 2026}

Ready for a role that gives you more scope to grow?
 
If you've been thinking about your next career move, now is a good time to explore what's possible.
 
Perhaps you're looking for quality employment matters, closer relationships with commercially engaged clients, or experienced leadership that supports your development. You may be ready for greater ownership and a clearer connection between your contribution and your reward.
 
Whether your next step is this year or a fresh start in 2027, this could be the change you've been looking for.
Optio6 Talent Partners has partnered with a well-established and growing specialist business and litigation firm to recruit an Employment Lawyer for its Newcastle, NSW office.
 
The firm has approximately 50 employees across its locations, supported by experienced leaders, skilled legal assistants and dedicated corporate services. Its Workplace team is one of its fastest-growing practices, creating opportunities for Lawyers, Associates and Senior Associates to build a meaningful long-term career.
 
Develop your expertise and your own practice
 
You'll work closely with a highly regarded specialist Employment Lawyer with an established reputation and strong repeat and referral business.
 
The role combines collaboration on existing employment matters with direct responsibility for your own clients and files. You'll have access to technical support while developing the autonomy to manage matters confidently.
Already operating at Senior Associate level?
 
There is scope to deepen your specialist expertise, build your market profile and contribute to the growth and direction of the Workplace team.
 
Advise clients who value your expertise
 
Work with privately owned SMEs, business owners and directors on complex workplace issues with real commercial consequences.
 
Your practice may include:

• Employment contracts, workplace policies and restraints of trade.
• Performance management, disciplinary processes and workplace investigations.
• Termination, redundancy and unfair dismissal.
• General protections, adverse action and discrimination claims.
• Fair Work Commission proceedings and employment disputes.
• Awards, enterprise agreements and industrial relations compliance.
• Executive employment and sensitive senior employee exits.
• Employment issues connected to business sales, restructures, insolvency and commercial disputes.

The firm is selective about the matters it accepts, allowing its lawyers to focus on commercially meaningful work for clients who appreciate specialist advice.
 
Strong support behind your work
 
Experienced legal assistants and dedicated Operations, People and Culture, Workplace Experience, Sales and Marketing teams help support legal work, client relationships and practice growth.
 
Regular team discussions, matter reviews and one-to-one meetings keep you connected to colleagues and provide ongoing guidance and feedback.
 
A career with meaningful financial upside
 
The firm offers:

• Salary of $135,000-$190,000 + super, depending on experience, with scope to discuss remuneration aligned with your expertise and the contribution you bring.
• Uncapped monthly fee earner commission for eligible lawyers once agreed fee targets are met.
• Clear and transparent career pathways.
• Financial support and study leave for Specialist Accreditation.
• An annual CPD budget and fortnightly lunch and learns.
• Flexible working, including work-from-home arrangements.
• Recognition programs that celebrate achievement and contribution.

Leadership, graduate mentoring and business development contributions can also be reflected in adjusted performance expectations.
 
About you

• You have 3-7 years PAE in Employment Law, or a strong employment focus within a broader practice, and want to build specialist expertise.
• You're confident managing client expectations, taking ownership and progressing matters from start to finish.
• You value collaboration, high standards and practical advice, and you're interested in contributing to a growing specialist team.

 
Start with a confidential conversation
A career move deserves careful consideration. If you're curious about what you could build here, let's discuss the opportunity and how it aligns with your goals, whether you're considering a move before the end of 2026 or looking ahead to 2027.
 
Contact Marie Holloway, Founder and Director, Optio6 Talent Partners, for a confidential discussion.
marie@optio6talentpartners.com.au | 0423 583 102