Norton White is a specialist law firm focused on the aviation and transport sectors. We support operators across the aviation and transport industries with the full range of legal services they need — from corporate and commercial work through to regulatory advice and complex disputes.
We are a firm of small teams and senior relationships. Our practitioners work at the level the work demands, and our clients value the direct access to judgment that a specialist boutique provides.
We are looking for a Senior Associate to join and help shape our Melbourne practice. This is not a replacement role in the conventional sense — it is an invitation to build something with us.
The advantages of working for Norton White do not end there. An inherent part of the role is attendance at industry events and client-facing functions allowing you to build a profile within the firm and externally. The aviation and transport industries are never dull, and you will be given the opportunity to meet and get to know clients you work with day-to-day be it at Norton White's annual Wine-Tasting event or another industry function.
You will build your own client relationships and a portfolio of work from day one. We provide the infrastructure, the firm profile, support and team together with existing work. We will give you the flexibility to grow a practice with exposure to the quality of work normally at top tier firms while still maintaining a healthy work life balance.
What You Will Do
Lead and run your own matters with the autonomy appropriate to a practitioner at this level — whether those matters are commercial, contractual, regulatory, or contentious




Advise clients on regulatory compliance, licensing, investigations, and enforcement matters within the aviation and transport sectors
Handle commercial and contractual work, including assisting on M&A; and asset transactions, agreements, and disputes arising in the course of clients' operations
Manage litigation and dispute resolution proceedings where matters become contentious, including before specialist tribunals and regulators
Develop and maintain strong client relationships, contributing directly to practice growth and business development
Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to the culture and growth of the Melbourne office
Who We're Looking For
A Senior Associate whose skills and experience span regulatory, commercial, and contentious work — we value capability over years served
Experience advising in relation to, or appearing before, regulatory bodies, enforcement agencies, or specialist tribunals, ideally with exposure to transport, aviation, or related sectors
An existing practice: clients who engage you personally, matters you have led, and a track record of doing the work rather than supporting it
Genuine commercial acumen — you understand your clients' industries and translate legal risk into practical terms
A desire to practice at principal level within a specialist boutique, where your contribution is visible and your development is not governed by a lockstep table
An interest in aviation and transport is essential, although prior experience in these areas of the law is not required
Melbourne-based or firmly committed to being so
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📌 Senior Associate (Melbourne)
🏢 Norton White
📍 Melbourne