We are recruiting on behalf of a highly respected law firm that is seeking a Principal/Special Counsel to lead its Commercial Law team. The firm is well-regarded for providing practical and strategic legal advice across various sectors, and this role presents an exciting opportunity to lead a growing practice within a dynamic environment.
Position Title: Principal/Special Counsel – Commercial Law
Location: Sydney, NSW
Reporting to: Director & Team Leader, Commercial Law
Position Overview: The Principal/Special Counsel will lead the Commercial Law practice, focusing on a wide range of commercial transactions and advisory work for corporate clients. The role involves managing client relationships, handling complex legal matters, and driving business development efforts. There is also an opportunity to bring your own practice and team to further expand the firm’s commercial law offering.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Team Management:
- Lead and manage the Commercial Law team, including mentoring and supporting junior lawyers to ensure high-quality legal services.
- Collaborate with a shared legal secretary and paralegal for administrative support, ensuring smooth team operations.
- Foster a team culture that promotes professional growth and excellence in client service.
- Client Management and Business Development:
- Act as the primary legal advisor to corporate clients, providing strategic advice on commercial transactions, contracts, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, and general corporate governance.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction and trust.
- Develop and execute business development strategies to grow the Commercial Law practice, with the option to bring in your own client base and/or team.
- Commercial Law Expertise:
- Oversee and manage complex commercial transactions and negotiations.
- Provide expert legal advice on a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including contract law, business structuring, and compliance.
- Assist clients with legal issues relating to business operations, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance.
- Practice Development and Growth:
- Lead efforts to grow the Commercial Law practice through business development, marketing, and client relationship management.
- Identify new business opportunities and work with the leadership team to develop strategies for expanding the firm’s footprint in commercial law.
- If desired, bring a team with you to further enhance the firm’s capability in delivering commercial legal services.
- Collaboration with Other Practice Areas:
- Collaborate with other practice areas, such as banking and finance, property law, and litigation, to provide comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary projects that require commercial law expertise and input.
Qualifications and Experience
- Admitted as a solicitor in Australia with significant experience in commercial law, ideally at the Principal or Special Counsel level.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, with the ability to mentor junior staff and drive team performance.
- Extensive experience advising on complex commercial transactions and corporate governance matters.
- A portable practice or an existing client base is highly desirable.
- Strong business development skills, with a proven ability to grow a practice and cultivate client relationships.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with other teams.
Why Join
- A leadership role in a highly respected firm with a growing Commercial Law practice.
- Flexibility to bring your own client base and/or team, with strong growth opportunities.
- Competitive remuneration and a clear path for career advancement.
- Modern office based in Parramatta with access to high-quality legal resources and client networks.
