Family Lawyer - Senior Associate / Special Counsel

Family Lawyer - Senior Associate / Special Counsel

About the Role:

A progressive and growing boutique family law practice is seeking an experienced Family Lawyer - Senior Associate / Special Counsel to join its close-knit team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced family lawyer looking to take the next step in their career while handling sophisticated family law matters and working in a collaborative, supportive environment.

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of post-admission family law experience and a strong background in complex parenting and financial matters. The role offers meaningful client responsibility, opportunities to mentor junior practitioners, and flexibility through a hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a diverse caseload of complex family law matters from initial consultation through resolution.
• Represent clients in proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
• Attend court appearances, hearings, mediations, and other legal proceedings.
• Instruct Counsel and work collaboratively with barristers and other legal professionals.
• Advise clients on complex parenting, financial, and property matters.
• Handle maintenance applications, divorce matters, Intervention Orders, and related family law proceedings.
• Prepare precise and high-quality legal correspondence, pleadings, applications, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Develop practical and resolution-focused strategies tailored to each client's circumstances.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Maintain strong and professional client relationships throughout each matter.
• Manage deadlines, case files, documentation, and other administrative requirements.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and support staff.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced lawyers and practitioners.
• Contribute to the professional development and knowledge-sharing culture of the team.
• Participate in networking opportunities with allied professionals and referral partners.
• Utilize cloud-based practice management systems such as Smokeball or similar platforms.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and ensure all work meets professional and legal standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of post-admission experience in family law.
• Demonstrated experience appearing before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
• Experience handling court appearances, mediations, and instructing Counsel.
• Strong experience across complex parenting and financial/property matters.
• Experience with maintenance applications, divorce, and Intervention Orders.
• Excellent legal drafting and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking skills.
• Commercial and resolution-focused approach to family law matters.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong interest in continuous professional development and legal upskilling.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced practitioners.
• Competence with cloud-based legal practice management software such as Smokeball or similar.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Willingness to build professional relationships and network with allied professionals.

Why Join Us:

• Join a progressive and growing boutique family law practice.
• Work alongside experienced family lawyers, including Accredited Specialists.
• Handle sophisticated and meaningful family law matters with a high level of autonomy.
• Benefit from a supportive and collegiate team environment.
• Enjoy genuine flexibility through a hybrid office and work-from-home arrangement.
• Work without excessive or onerous billing targets.
• Maintain a strong work-life balance while continuing to build your legal career.
• Mentor junior practitioners and contribute to the development of the wider team.
• Receive ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Work in a modern practice that embraces technology, innovation, and best practices in legal services.
• Benefit from outstanding administrative support.
• Build professional relationships with allied professionals and expand your professional network.
• Work in a welcoming environment that values collaboration, professional excellence, and employee wellbeing.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Flexible full-time or substantial part-time working arrangements.
• Hybrid work-from-home and office flexibility.
• Modern and comfortable office environment.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced family law practitioners.
• Mentoring and leadership opportunities.
• Supportive administrative team.
• Collegiate and collaborative workplace culture.
• Work-life balance with flexibility around working arrangements.
• No excessive or onerous billing targets.