Family Lawyer - Senior Associate / Special Counsel

About the Role:

A progressive and growing boutique family law practice is seeking an experienced Family Lawyer - Senior Associate / Special Counsel to join its close-knit team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced family lawyer looking to take the next step in their career while handling sophisticated family law matters and working in a collaborative, supportive environment.

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of post-admission family law experience and a strong background in complex parenting and financial matters. The role offers meaningful client responsibility, opportunities to mentor junior practitioners, and flexibility through a hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage a diverse caseload of complex family law matters from initial consultation through resolution.
- Represent clients in proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Attend court appearances, hearings, mediations, and other legal proceedings.
- Instruct Counsel and work collaboratively with barristers and other legal professionals.
- Advise clients on complex parenting, financial, and property matters.
- Handle maintenance applications, divorce matters, Intervention Orders, and related family law proceedings.
- Prepare precise and high-quality legal correspondence, pleadings, applications, agreements, and other legal documents.
- Develop practical and resolution-focused strategies tailored to each client's circumstances.
- Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution processes.
- Maintain strong and professional client relationships throughout each matter.
- Manage deadlines, case files, documentation, and other administrative requirements.
- Work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and support staff.




- Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced lawyers and practitioners.
- Contribute to the professional development and knowledge-sharing culture of the team.
- Participate in networking opportunities with allied professionals and referral partners.
- Utilize cloud-based practice management systems such as Smokeball or similar platforms.
- Maintain a high level of attention to detail and ensure all work meets professional and legal standards.

Required Qualifications:

- Minimum 5 years of post-admission experience in family law.
- Demonstrated experience appearing before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Experience handling court appearances, mediations, and instructing Counsel.
- Strong experience across complex parenting and financial/property matters.
- Experience with maintenance applications, divorce, and Intervention Orders.
- Excellent legal drafting and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking skills.
- Commercial and resolution-focused approach to family law matters.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Strong interest in continuous career development and legal upskilling.
- Ability to mentor and support less experienced practitioners.
- Competence with cloud-based legal practice management software such as Smokeball or similar.




- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Willingness to build professional relationships and network with allied professionals.

Why Join Us:

- Join a progressive and growing boutique family law practice.
- Work alongside experienced family lawyers, including Accredited Specialists.
- Handle sophisticated and meaningful family law matters with a high level of autonomy.
- Benefit from a supportive and collegiate team environment.
- Enjoy genuine flexibility through a hybrid office and work-from-home arrangement.
- Work without excessive or onerous billing targets.
- Maintain a strong work-life balance while continuing to build your legal career.
- Mentor junior practitioners and contribute to the development of the wider team.
- Receive ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Work in a modern practice that embraces technology, innovation, and best practices in legal services.
- Benefit from outstanding administrative support.
- Build professional relationships with allied professionals and expand your professional network.
- Work in a welcoming environment that values collaboration, professional excellence, and employee wellbeing.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Flexible full-time or substantial part-time working arrangements.
- Hybrid work-from-home and office flexibility.
- Modern and comfortable office environment.
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
- Opportunity to work alongside experienced family law practitioners.
- Mentoring and leadership opportunities.
- Supportive administrative team.
- Collegiate and collaborative workplace culture.
- Work-life balance with flexibility around working arrangements.
- No excessive or onerous billing targets.

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📌 Family Lawyer - Senior Associate / Special Counsel (Melbourne)
🏢 recruitometry
📍 Melbourne