High-calibre work: Complex commercial disputes, Corporations Act matters and contractual litigation, regularly opposed to top-tier national and international firms.
Partnership pathway: For the right person, a salaried partnership is a genuine consideration within two years.
The best of both worlds: 80 years of serious litigation credentials, with the culture and flexibility you only find at a genuine boutique.

What’s in it for you:

You'll be joining a firm with a strong reputation for complex, high-stakes commercial litigation. Partners are directly involved in every matter and the work is substantive from day one.
You'll work autonomously on your own matters while also playing a senior role on larger files. The firm is looking for someone with the judgement and experience to operate at a high level with appropriate support around them.
A warm, close-knit team without silos, where all teams work together across matters.

About your new employer:

A specialist commercial law firm with over 80 years of history, advising some of Australia's most sophisticated companies, institutions and private groups on their most complex legal matters.
A commercial litigation practice with a strong track record across contractual disputes, Corporations Act matters and insolvency, regularly appearing in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court and High Court, and typically opposing the country's leading national firms.
Hybrid work environment, flexible team culture, open-door policies and no imposed daily billable targets. The expected range is realistic and the firm deliberately avoids the pressure that drives unnecessary tension elsewhere.

About the role:

Running your own commercial litigation matters across contractual disputes, Corporations Act claims and related corporate disputes.
Playing a senior 2IC role on more complex matters alongside experienced partners.
Advising clients strategically on dispute risk and resolution options.
Insolvency experience is a bonus but the firm's priority is a well-rounded commercial litigator.

The ideal candidate:

This role suits two distinct profiles:

8+ years' PAE — a strong senior associate or special counsel with a solid commercial litigation background, the ability to run matters autonomously and the ambition to grow into a partnership role.
15+ years' PAE — an experienced litigator who is comfortable operating as a senior 2IC for a period, and who may bring an existing client following. Partnership track is equally available.
In both cases, the firm is looking for someone who is an exceptional lawyer, a strong cultural fit, and someone with the drive and capability to grow with the practice.
Solid experience across commercial litigation, including contractual disputes and Corporations Act matters.
The ability to run files independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Insolvency experience welcomed but not required.

If this role does not align to your experience and/or career goals, please contact us to discuss other suitable opportunities.

Why work with us?

We have access to 50% more roles than are publicly available.
You will receive free CV and content advice as well as interview preparation assistance specific to the role.
We are intimately aware of market trends including team/firmwide inside information and what salary you can achieve in the current market.
Naiman Clarke are celebrating 25 years of excellence in the legal recruitment industry this year. Our team of experienced, legally trained, consultants have over 40 years of combined experience working exclusively in the legal recruitment sector.

Contact Elvira today!

Please quote reference number EN/55929

Commercial Litigation: Senior Associate/Special Counsel

Job Description