Senior Associate / Managing Associate Criminal Law

About the Role:

A highly respected national law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Associate / Managing Associate Criminal Law to join its expanding Criminal Law practice in Canberra. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior criminal lawyer with a strong background in complex criminal matters who is looking to step into a leadership position while continuing to manage challenging and high-value legal work.

The successful candidate will oversee a diverse criminal law caseload, provide strategic legal advice and representation, mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to the continued growth and development of the practice. This role offers meaningful leadership responsibility, courtroom exposure, and the opportunity to play a key role in building the Canberra Criminal Law team.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage criminal law matters from initial instruction through final resolution.
- Provide expert legal advice and representation across complex criminal matters.
- Draft and review legal documents, including submissions, defences, applications, and court materials.
- Represent clients in court hearings, trials, negotiations, and other legal proceedings.
- Manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with deadlines.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, barristers, courts, and other legal stakeholders.
- Mentor, supervise, and support junior solicitors and team members.
- Assist with the continued development and growth of the Criminal Law practice.
- Develop legal precedents, policies, and procedures to improve practice efficiency.
- Collaborate with senior leadership on strategy, business planning, and team development.
- Assist with managing team performance, financial targets, and operational objectives.
- Attend client meetings, court appearances, and other legal events as required.

Required Qualifications:





- Minimum 5 years of post-admission experience in Criminal Law, with significant experience handling complex criminal matters.
- Strong courtroom advocacy experience and proven ability to represent clients in criminal proceedings.
- Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law will be considered favourably.
- Excellent understanding of criminal law procedures, legislation, and court processes.
- Strong legal research, drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and a demanding caseload effectively.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience supervising or mentoring solicitors.
- Interest in developing leadership capabilities and managing a growing legal team.
- A proactive, client-focused approach with a commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.

Why Join Us:

- Join a highly regarded national law firm with an established reputation in Criminal Law.
- Take on a senior leadership role with the opportunity to influence and grow the Canberra Criminal Law practice.
- Work alongside experienced criminal law specialists and respected legal professionals.
- Gain exposure to complex, varied, and challenging criminal matters.
- Receive ongoing support and mentorship from experienced senior leaders.
- Develop leadership, management, and business development skills.
- Be part of a collaborative and supportive workplace focused on professional growth.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Dedicated administrative, accounts, marketing, HR, technology, and paralegal support.
- Opportunities for career progression within a leading national legal practice.
- Support for obtaining Specialist Accreditation.
- Access to career development opportunities and ongoing career growth.

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📌 Senior Associate / Managing Associate – Criminal Law (Canberra)
🏢 recruitometry
📍 Canberra