Senior Associate or Special Counsel – Workplace Relations, Education, and Safety

As part of the continued growth of RussellKennedy’s nationally-recognised independent schools practice, we are seeking anexperienced Senior Associate or Special Counsel to join our WorkplaceRelations, Education, Discrimination and Safety team.

Working closely with Ben Tallboys,Partner, and a large team, this role offers an opportunity to provide legal andstrategic support to schools, systems and peak bodies in the education space oncomplex matters while building strong, trusted client relationships. You willwork collaboratively with clients to navigate legal, financial and reputationalrisks, whilst also delivering practical and values-focused solutions in adynamic and evolving landscape.

The role encompasses a broad rangeof advisory and risk management work across employment and industrialrelations, equal prospect and discrimination, child safety and wellbeing,duty of care, regulatory compliance, governance and stakeholder management. Itoffers diverse and meaningful work, a high level of client engagement, and theopportunity to contribute to one of Australia's leading legal practices servingthe Australian independent education sector.

The ideal candidate will bringstrong technical expertise, commercial judgement and a genuine interest inbuilding trusted client relationships. You will thrive in a collaborativeenvironment and enjoy combining strategic legal thinking with practical adviceto help clients achieve their objectives while effectively managing risk.

If you are looking to take the nextstep in your legal career and join a highly regarded national practice, wewould welcome the opportunity to hear from you. This is an excellentopportunity to work alongside a leading practitioner in the education sector,deepen your expertise, and make a meaningful contribution to a growing andrespected team.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

- Providing employment advice to clients on a range of issues, including:
- commencement of employment;
- termsand conditions of em ployment;
- performance management;
- termination of employment;
- enterprise bargaining;
- equalopportunity;
- preventing bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment;
- occupational and workplace health and safety; and
- independent contractors.





- Managing disputes and litigation in relation to workplace relations, discrimination and safety matters.
- Advising on mandatory reporting and compliance with reportable conduct schemes.
- Dealing with student discipline, safety and wellbeing issues.
- Stakeholder and media engagement.
- Maintaining current knowledge of legislative, regulatory and case law developments relevant to workplace relations, education, discrimination and safety laws.
- Business Development activities to build profile, produce articles and conduct presentations to keep clients up to date, and assist in delivering seminars and building client relationships.
- Contributing to the Learning and Development programs at Russell Kennedy, including creating and presenting CPD sessions for others at the firm.

Skills/Knowledge

- Exceptional legal drafting and advisory skills, with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive matters.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and provide strategic advice.
- Commercially minded with a willingness to work on a variety of matters.
- Well-developed initiative, with a demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage a complex and varied workload.
- Strong Financial housekeeping.

Experience

- 5+ year s’ post admission experience.
- E xperience in workplace relations, employment and safety is essential.
- Experience in the education sector, including in relation to student safety and wellbeing, is highly desirable.
- Enterprise bargaining experience, litigation, and corporate governance is desirable.

Our Firm and Culture

Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380people in Melbourne and Sydney. AtRussell Kennedy we are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies andsolutions to our clients,



guided by market-leading expertise across our keysectors of focus.

We’re committed to making a difference for our clients,providing opportunities for our people, and delivering lasting change for ourcommunity. As part of our team, you’llreceive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learningopportunities. We encourage aprofessional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of anenjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle.

At Russell Kennedy, we respect and celebrate the thingsthat make each of us different. The firmis dedicated to creating an environment that is characterised by equal accessand respected participation of all groups and individuals. This is regardless of all differences,including culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, age, religion,personal circumstances, physical features, abilities and disabilities,socioeconomics and sexual orientation.

We believe we have a culture where individuals of allbackgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their wholeselves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you tocontribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunityemployer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. We are committed to being an LGBTIQ-friendlyand disability-confident employer. Thefirm supports and promotes a range of initiatives including, the RussellKennedy Women’s Network and our Diversity and Inclusion committee, with threekey focuses: Access RK (Accessibilityand Disability), Kaleidoscope (Cultural Diversity) and Pride@RK (LGBTIQ).

Russell Kennedyis dedicated to creating and participating in a meaningful process ofreconciliation as part of the broader national reconciliation movement. Our key aims in embarking on our first RAPare to celebrate the deep knowledge of First Nations communities, thelongest continuing cultures in the world, acknowledge past wrongs and to beginto build a structured future together where we can play our part in rightingthose wrongs though our own reconciliation initiatives.

Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting the best talentavailable and is open to discussing flexible work arrangements and workplaceadjustments for all of our listed vacancies.

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📌 Senior Associate or Special Counsel – Workplace Relations, Education, and Safety (New South Wales)
🏢 Russell Kennedy Lawyers
📍 New South Wales