Associate – Defamation & Reputation Law

Sydney CBD | High-Autonomy Role

BlackBay Lawyers is a specialist litigation firm where Associates do more than assist - they advise, strategise and lead.

We act in complex commercial disputes, employment litigation and defamation matters for ASX-listed companies, founders, boards and high-profile individuals. We were named Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2024 and are finalists again in 2025.

We are seeking an Associate who wants real responsibility, direct client relationships, and the autonomy to develop within a high-performing litigation firm. This role is suited to a litigator with experience or strong interest in defamation and reputation law who is technically excellent, commercially sharp, and frustrated by hierarchy, politics or being kept one step removed from clients and decisions.

The Role

At BlackBay, Associates are trusted with meaningful responsibility. You will:

- Work on complex defamation and reputation matters with genuine autonomy
- Act for high-profile individuals, public figures, executives and corporate clients
- Advise clients directly on media disputes, concerns notices, publication risks and litigation strategy
- Prepare and run proceedings in the Federal Court and Supreme Courts
- Draft concerns notices, imputations, defences and interlocutory applications
- Assist with urgent injunctive relief and takedown matters
- Take an active role in negotiations,



mediations and strategic decision-making
- Contribute to the growth and depth of the defamation and reputation practice

This is not a back-end drafting role. You will be client-facing, trusted to exercise independent judgment and accountable for outcomes.

Who This Role Is For

This role is designed for:

- Associates (approximately 2–5 PQE)
- Litigators who: have experience or a genuine interest in defamation, media or reputation law
- want ownership over their work, not just tasks
- value direct client contact
- are confident, precise and commercially aware
- expect progression to follow performance, not tenure

You are comfortable being relied upon - by clients and partners.

What You Get

- High-profile, intellectually demanding litigation
- Direct access to Partners and decision-makers
- Active support to build your professional profile, reputation and market presence
- Private office in Martin Place (every lawyer)
- Remuneration and progression aligned to contribution and impact, not time.
- A collegiate, ego-free culture with high standards
- A explicit long-term career path in a firm scaling deliberately and sustainably

How to Apply If you are interested in joining BlackBay Lawyers, please apply via LinkedIn or send your CV and cover letter to [email protected].

Confidential conversations are welcome - not all strong candidates are actively looking.

📌 Associate - Defamation & Reputation (Sydney)
🏢 BlackBay Lawyers
📍 Sydney