We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Associate to join our growing practice. This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of matters including Commercial Litigation, Family Law and contested Wills and Estates. A further opportunity exists to work closely with the Partner in charge of this practice area, with access to mentoring, business development and practice management training.
The successful candidate will have strong technical skills, excellent client relationship management abilities, and experience managing complex matters with a high degree of autonomy. The role will involve supervising junior lawyers, contributing to business development initiatives, and contributing to the strategic growth of the practice.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Litigation
Conduct and manage a variety of commercial disputes including:
Property disputes
Shareholder and partnership disputes
Business and property disputes
Investigations by professional disciplinary bodies and regulators
Draft pleadings, submissions and correspondence.
Prepare matters for mediation, arbitration and trial.
Brief and liaise with counsel and expert witnesses.
Family Law
Manage a broad range of family law matters, including:
Property settlements
Child support matters
Family violence matters
Conduct negotiations and mediations.
Prepare court documents and affidavits.
Appear in court and instruct counsel where required.
Develop litigation strategies and manage matters from commencement through to resolution.
Contested Wills and Estates
Advise clients in relation to:
Family provision claims
Challenges to the validity of wills
Executor and trustee disputes




Conduct negotiations and alternative dispute resolution processes.
Prepare pleadings, affidavits and court documentation.
Manage litigation in relevant courts and tribunals.
Client Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong client relationships.
Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.
Manage client expectations and communication throughout matters.
Maintain high standards of client service and responsiveness.
Leadership and Mentoring
Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, graduates and support staff.
Review work prepared by junior team members.
Assist with training and professional development initiatives.
Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture.
Business Development
Develop referral relationships with professional advisers and community stakeholders.
Participate in networking, marketing and business development activities.
Contribute to the growth and reputation of the firm.
Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships.
Skills and Experience
Admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
Minimum 5–8 years' post-admission experience.
Demonstrated experience in:
Commercial Litigation
Family Law
Contested Wills and Estates
Strong advocacy and litigation skills.
Experience appearing in courts and tribunals.
Excellent drafting and legal research skills.
Strong negotiation and dispute resolution abilities.
Ability to manage a substantial file load independently.
High level organisational and time management skills.
Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
Accredited Specialist status in Family Law or Wills & Estates (or working towards accreditation).
Existing referral networks.
Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Senior Associate Lawyer-Family Law, Contested Wills & Estates, Litigation (New South Wales)
🏢 Gillis
📍 New South Wales