Senior Associate Lawyer | Dispute Resolution (Wills & Estates experience highly regarded)

We're looking for a talented Senior Associate Lawyer with 5 years of experience in Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation to join our team. Make a genuine impact at Nicholas James Lawyers. We are a rapidly growing firm with a community-first approach and a new state-of-the-art offices in Melbourne.

About us

Nicholas James Lawyers is a boutique Victorian law firm in Moonee Ponds, Sunbury and the Melbourne CBD. We act for individuals, families and businesses across six practice areas: Family Law, Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing, Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution, and Banking & Finance. We're a close-knit team who pride ourselves on practical advice, genuine client relationships and working collaboratively across practice groups.

The role

We're looking for a Senior Associate to take a leading role in our growing Dispute Resolution practice. You'll run your own file load with a high degree of autonomy, from initial advice through to resolution, and work closely with our Wills & Estates team on contested estate matters.

Your work will include

- Managing a varied disputes practice, including commercial disputes, debt recovery, contract and property disputes
- Acting in contested estate matters, including family provision (Part IV) claims, will validity challenges and executor or trustee disputes
- Preparing court documents and appearing in or instructing on matters in Magistrates', County and Supreme Courts / VCAT
- Negotiating settlements and representing clients at mediation




- Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff
- Maintaining and growing your own referral network, and contributing to business development for the Dispute Resolution and Wills & Estates practices.

About you

- 5 years' post-admission experience in dispute resolution or litigation
- Experience in contested Wills & Estates matters is highly regarded
- Current Victorian practising certificate
- Strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills
- Confident managing your own practice and client relationships
- A collaborative approach and willingness to support junior team members

Growth opportunities & Specialisation

- Ongoing professional development and paid opportunities for specialisation.
- Attractive Salary – competitive remuneration aligned with your experience and leadership.
- Lead and Inspire – coordinate and mentor a team of junior lawyers while developing your practice area.
- Work/Life Balance: We believe that high-quality delivery includes maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all our employees.
- Modern Environment – Work from our new, state-of-the-art office in Moonee Ponds.
- People-First Culture – we foster a supportive, collaborative, and client-focused environment.
- Community Connection: Join a firm that is a trusted part of the local community and a proud sponsor of local organisations.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and help shape the future of Nicholas James Lawyers.

Apply today! Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role to [email protected]

📌 Senior Associate Lawyer - Dispute Resolution (Melbourne)
🏢 Nicholas James Lawyers
📍 Melbourne