Senior Associate / Special Counsel – Commercial Litigation

Brisbane CBD | $180,000 – $250,000 + Super | Senior Associate / Special Counsel

I am currently working exclusively with two highly regarded boutique litigation firms in Brisbane, both of which are looking to appoint an experienced commercial litigator at Senior Associate or Special Counsel level.

These opportunities would suit an established litigation lawyer who enjoys complex, high-quality commercial disputes but is looking for an environment where they can have greater autonomy, direct client involvement and a genuine role in the continued growth of the practice.

Both firms are specialist disputes practices with experienced senior lawyers and strong pipelines of commercial litigation work.

Depending on your background, experience and longer-term career objectives, there are opportunities at both Senior Associate and Special Counsel level, with remuneration ranging from approximately $180,000 to $250,000 + superannuation.

The Opportunities

While the two firms differ in size, structure and culture, both offer sophisticated commercial litigation work and the chance to work closely with experienced Partners on significant disputes.

The successful lawyer can expect exposure to a broad range of matters, including:

- Complex commercial and contractual disputes;
- Shareholder, director and partnership disputes;
- Corporations Act and corporate disputes;
- Insolvency and restructuring-related litigation;
- Property and development disputes;
- Professional negligence claims;
- Building and construction disputes;
- Regulatory and enforcement matters;
- Urgent interlocutory applications and injunctive relief;
- Debt recovery and enforcement proceedings; and
- Other complex commercial disputes across State and Federal jurisdictions.

The Role

At this level, you will be given significant responsibility for the conduct and strategy of matters rather than simply operating as a senior lawyer within a large team.

Your responsibilities will include





- Managing complex litigation matters from initial instructions through to resolution;
- Developing litigation and dispute resolution strategies;
- Drafting pleadings, affidavits, submissions and other court documents;
- Managing evidence, discovery and interlocutory applications;
- Briefing and working closely with Counsel and experts;
- Appearing in court where appropriate;
- Advising clients on commercial risk, strategy and settlement;
- Participating in mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution;
- Maintaining direct relationships with corporate, private and professional clients;
- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers; and
- Contributing to the broader development and growth of the litigation practice.

For lawyers interested in progressing towards partnership, there is also scope to discuss business development, client relationship management and longer-term progression as part of the opportunity.

About You

We are interested in speaking with lawyers who have developed a strong foundation in commercial litigation and are now looking for the next stage of their career.

Ideally, you will have:

- Approximately 7+ years' PAE in litigation, although candidates will be considered based on capability rather than PAE alone;
- Strong experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution;
- Experience conducting matters in the Supreme Court and/or Federal Court;
- Strong drafting, technical and analytical skills;
- The ability to independently manage substantial matters;
- Sound commercial judgement and the ability to provide practical, strategic advice;
- Confidence dealing directly with clients, Counsel and other stakeholders;




- The ability to supervise and develop junior lawyers; and
- A genuine interest in building your career within a specialist litigation practice.

Candidates currently working within top-tier, national, mid-tier or specialist litigation practices are encouraged to apply.

A portable practice is not necessarily required. Of greater importance is your technical capability, commercial judgement, ability to manage matters and capacity to operate effectively at Senior Associate or Special Counsel level.

Why Consider These Opportunities?

These positions offer an alternative to the traditional larger-firm environment without sacrificing the quality or complexity of the work.

Depending on the firm and your experience, the opportunity can provide:

- Highly competitive remuneration – $180,000 to $250,000 + superannuation;
- High-quality and complex commercial litigation;
- Direct access to and involvement with Partners;
- Greater autonomy over your matters;
- Significant direct client contact;
- The opportunity to take a genuine leadership role within the practice;
- Mentoring and supervision responsibilities;
- Exposure to substantial disputes across multiple jurisdictions; and
- Genuine scope for continued career progression.

Importantly, these are not roles where you will simply become another senior lawyer within a large litigation team. Both firms are looking for someone who can become an important senior member of the practice.

Confidential Enquiries

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are an experienced commercial litigator in Brisbane and would be interested in discussing either opportunity, please apply via LinkedIn or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (phone hidden)

Salary: $180,000 – $250,000 + Superannuation

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Practice Area: Commercial Litigation / Dispute Resolution

Level: Senior Associate / Special Counsel

📌 Senior Associate / Special Counsel – Commercial Litigation (Brisbane)
🏢 MAKIN Advisory
📍 Brisbane