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.
Position Title: Principal/Special Counsel – Employment Team
Location: Sydney, NSW
Reporting to: Director & Team Leader, Litigation, Dispute Resolution & Employment Solutions Team
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.
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
How to Apply: Please submit your resume detailing your experience.
