Firm Overview
Our Client is a leading legal practice with a strong reputation in Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and Employment Law. As part of their growth and expansion, they are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal/Special Counsel to lead their Employment team. This is a senior leadership role, providing the opportunity to shape and drive the future of the team, with potential for further growth in the Employment Law space.
Position Overview
The Principal/Special Counsel will head the Employment Team, which forms part of the broader Litigation, Dispute Resolution & Employment Solutions practice group. The role involves leading and managing the team, ensuring high-quality legal services are provided to clients, and driving business development efforts to grow the employment law practice.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead and manage the Employment Team, providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members, including potential support from a Senior Associate and upcoming graduate lawyer.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards of service.
- Collaborate with the shared legal secretary and paralegal support.
Client Management and Business Development
- Act as the primary point of contact for key clients, predominantly employers seeking legal advice on employment matters.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing strategic and practical legal advice.
- Develop and execute strategies to grow the Employment Law practice, with a focus on bringing in a practice of your own and, if desired, a team.
Advisory and Litigation Work
- Advise clients on a broad range of employment law issues, including but not limited to workplace relations, employee disputes, unfair dismissals, enterprise agreements, and compliance with employment law regulations.
- Oversee and manage employment-related litigation, including representing clients in Fair Work Commission and court proceedings.
- Handle complex employment law matters with minimal supervision and provide expert advice on employer-focused issues.
Collaboration with Other Practice Areas
- Work closely with the Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and other relevant practice areas to provide comprehensive legal solutions to clients.
- Collaborate with the team leader and other directors to align team efforts with broader firm goals and objectives.
Practice Development and Growth
- Actively seek new business opportunities and contribute to firm-wide business development initiatives.
- Maintain and grow your existing client base, leveraging the firm’s resources and market presence.
- If desired, bring a team with you to help strengthen and grow the Employment Team.
Qualifications and Experience
- Admitted as a solicitor in Australia with significant experience in employment law, including a proven track record at the Principal or Special Counsel level.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a team and provide leadership to more junior staff.
- Strong client management skills, with a focus on employer-side legal matters.
- Ability to independently handle complex employment law matters, including litigation and dispute resolution.
- A portable practice or an existing client base that you can bring to the firm is highly desirable.
- Strong business development skills with a strategic approach to growing a legal practice.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a broader team.
Why Join Our Client
- A leadership role in a well-established and respected legal firm with a growing Employment Law practice.
- Opportunity to work with a high-performing and supportive team, with room for growth and career progression.
- Attractive remuneration package, with flexibility for the right candidate to bring a team and/or practice.
- Modern office space located in Parramatta with access to top-tier legal resources and client networks
