Special Counsel - Employment Law
- 04/02/2026
- Melbourne CBD & Inner Suburbs
- Permanent / Full Time
This firm has grown rapidly to become the largest legal partnership in Australia, while still keeping a genuinely collaborative, down to earth culture. National reach, premium work, and the kind of career acceleration that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re an experienced Special Counsel or Senior Associate looking to step up to Special Counsel and into high-quality, high profile employment and safety work without burning out, this is one to look closely at.
The role:
You’ll join a busy and growing Workplace Relations & Safety team advising large and mid-tier corporates, insurers, and government/statutory authorities. The work is sophisticated, varied, and genuinely interesting, spanning:
You’ll have real autonomy, direct client contact, and the opportunity to run matters end-to-end, while being supported by highly regarded senior practitioners and a collaborative national team.
There’s also a strong emphasis on mentoring and developing juniors, making this an ideal role for someone ready to step into leadership without the pressure of bringing a book.
What they’re looking for
Why this firm?
This is where this role really stands out.
Career progression that actually means something
Promotion is based on performance, not politics. The firm operates on meritocracy with transparent pathways, regular career forecasting sessions and a low solicitor to partner ratio that gives you exposure, mentoring and client access much earlier.
Work/life balance without compromising on quality
Conservative KPIs, flexible working (WFH + office), and an additional week of leave for exceeding targets mean you can perform at a high level without sacrificing your life outside work.
A culture people stay for
Friendly, grounded, and supportive. No egos, no hot desking, and a real sense of belonging, backed by national collaboration and serious resources.
The benefits (and there are plenty):
The bottom line
This is a standout opportunity for a Special Counsel who wants top-tier work, genuine flexibility, and a clear path forward, without the grind that usually comes with it.
If you want to be valued for performance, not presenteeism, this firm gets it right.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit your resume through the APPLY button.
Alternatively, you can contact Hollie Vater on (03) 9077 7491 / hollie@engagepersonnel.com.au for a confidential chat.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Please touch base, as we have many more opportunities that are not advertised.
All communication will be strictly confidential
If you’re an experienced Special Counsel or Senior Associate looking to step up to Special Counsel and into high-quality, high profile employment and safety work without burning out, this is one to look closely at.
The role:
You’ll join a busy and growing Workplace Relations & Safety team advising large and mid-tier corporates, insurers, and government/statutory authorities. The work is sophisticated, varied, and genuinely interesting, spanning:
- Industrial relations and employment law (contentious and advisory)
- Workplace health & safety
- Investigations and enterprise bargaining
- Employment aspects of commercial transactions
You’ll have real autonomy, direct client contact, and the opportunity to run matters end-to-end, while being supported by highly regarded senior practitioners and a collaborative national team.
There’s also a strong emphasis on mentoring and developing juniors, making this an ideal role for someone ready to step into leadership without the pressure of bringing a book.
What they’re looking for
- Solid experience (or strong appetite) for running employment and/or safety matters
- A good grasp of workplace relations, industrial relations and WHS law
- Strong technical skills with a commercial, solutions-focused mindset
- For senior candidates, a genuine interest in mentoring and team development
Why this firm?
This is where this role really stands out.
Career progression that actually means something
Promotion is based on performance, not politics. The firm operates on meritocracy with transparent pathways, regular career forecasting sessions and a low solicitor to partner ratio that gives you exposure, mentoring and client access much earlier.
Work/life balance without compromising on quality
Conservative KPIs, flexible working (WFH + office), and an additional week of leave for exceeding targets mean you can perform at a high level without sacrificing your life outside work.
A culture people stay for
Friendly, grounded, and supportive. No egos, no hot desking, and a real sense of belonging, backed by national collaboration and serious resources.
The benefits (and there are plenty):
- Hybrid working model
- 26 weeks paid parental leave for all staff
- Purchase up to 10 days additional annual leave
- Extra leave for exceeding billable targets
- Dedicated workspace
- Pro bono opportunities, including secondments
- Salary continuance insurance options
- Study support and financial assistance for further education
- Novated leasing and vehicle procurement
- Generous referral bonuses
- Active social clubs, sporting teams and wellbeing initiatives
- Prime CBD location with modern facilities
The bottom line
This is a standout opportunity for a Special Counsel who wants top-tier work, genuine flexibility, and a clear path forward, without the grind that usually comes with it.
If you want to be valued for performance, not presenteeism, this firm gets it right.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit your resume through the APPLY button.
Alternatively, you can contact Hollie Vater on (03) 9077 7491 / hollie@engagepersonnel.com.au for a confidential chat.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Please touch base, as we have many more opportunities that are not advertised.
All communication will be strictly confidential