Johnson Winter Slattery | Melbourne
Closing date: 30/11/2026
Who we are
Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) is a leading Australian law firm
known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex
transactions, disputes and regulatory matters.
At JWS, we build authentic, long-term relationships and have a
deep understanding of our clients and their industries.
Our clients
say we are pragmatic, strategic, commercial and easy to work
with.
Our firm comprises more than 450 highly talented people,
including 80+ partners, across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide,
Brisbane and Canberra.
JWS has also announced the opening of a
representative office in Recent York, strengthening our ability to
support US clients investing in Australia.
We are globally
connected and have strong relationships with major independent law
firms around the world.
JWS was recognised as Australian Law Firm of the Year (Beaton
Client Choice Awards ****).
Our lawyers are highly ranked in
Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Lexology Index (formerly Who's
Who Legal).
We are strongly committed to social justice, responsible
business and our diverse communities.
We are proud of our pro bono
program, which focuses on supporting low-income, disadvantaged and
marginalised people in the Australian community.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Office Manager to lead our
Melbourne Practice Support team.
Reporting to the National Practice
Support Manager, you will be accountable for the day-to-day
operational management of the Melbourne office and will lead a team
of Legal Assistants, Reception and the Workroom Supervisor.
Working in partnership with Business Services and Practice Group
leaders, you will align local service with national standards,
develop team capability and support a resilient and sustainable
Practice Support function within a professional, efficient and
welcoming workplace.
Your responsibilities will include:
managing the daily operations of the Melbourne office and
maintaining the presentation of the workplace to a high
standard;
leading, coaching and supporting the Practice Support team
to ensure service continuity and effective workflow
management;
acting as the primary contact for office operational
issues, including liaising with building management on
security, access, parking, tenancy and fire warden
matters;
supporting a seamless Front of House experience, including
client events, staff functions and firm events, in partnership
with the National Events Manager;




supporting workforce planning, monitoring overtime and
staffing costs and reviewing supplier and service
expenditure;
managing space allocation and overseeing office equipment,
services and external providers;
coordinating business continuity and emergency procedures,
and championing safe work practices across the office; and
collaborating with Practice Groups and Business Services to
address local needs and support national initiatives, promoting
a "one firm" culture.
About You
You are an experienced office management or legal practice
support professional with at least five years' experience, together
with proven people leadership experience, including performance
management and team development, ideally gained within a legal or
professional services environment.
You bring a strong understanding
of legal practice support workflows, service expectations and the
operational requirements of a professional office.
You are service-oriented and committed to delivering an
exceptional experience for colleagues, clients and visitors.
Adaptable and proactive, you exercise initiative and maintain a
high level of performance as priorities change in a energetic
environment.
With outstanding communication, organisational and stakeholder
management skills, you are known for your attention to detail,
sound judgement and ability to identify practical solutions and
deliver high-quality outcomes within required timeframes.
You have
a growth mindset, embrace continuous improvement and recent ideas, and
take ownership and accountability for outcomes.
You are also comfortable undertaking the physical aspects of the
role, including moving supplies and equipment, setting up and
packing down meeting rooms and event spaces and assisting with
office relocations, always with a strong commitment to workplace
health and safety.
Finally, you are digitally savvy, with strong
Microsoft 365 skills and a willingness to embrace new technologies
and business systems.
This is a full-time role with a minimum expectation of four days
per week in the office.
About the Team
Our Practice Support team is critical to the firm's growth,




client experience and operational effectiveness.
In Melbourne, the
team brings together Legal Assistants, Reception and the Workroom
to provide high-quality, proactive support to our practitioners and
clients and to create a welcoming, productive and well-supported
environment for our people and visitors.
This is an opportunity to lead a highly valued team at the heart
of our business, where your leadership will have a meaningful
impact across the Melbourne office and the firm.
Working at JWS
This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and
supportive team where people genuinely enjoy working together.
You'll have the chance to build meaningful, long-lasting
relationships through team lunches, Friday drinks and social
events.
Collaboration is at the heart of how we work.
We value shared
success, encourage knowledge-sharing, and support one another to
achieve the best outcomes for our clients and colleagues.
We're equally committed to the wellbeing and development of our
people.
We'll take the time to understand your career goals and
provide the support, opportunities and guidance you need to grow
and thrive.
It's this people-first approach that has helped us
become one of Australia's leading independent law firms and a place
where talented people choose to build rewarding, long-term
careers.
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can
contribute, grow, and build a long-term career with one of
Australia's leading independent law firms, we'd love to hear from
you.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, where our
differences are also our strength.
If you are interested in this
role and our firm (but don't necessarily meet every single
requirement in this advert), we encourage you to contact us to
discuss potential opportunities.
We are committed to promoting a workplace that is diverse
and inclusive.
We encourage the best people – regardless of race,
religion, or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability,
sexual orientation, or age – to fulfil their professional
aspirations with us.
In particular, we would welcome applications
from First Nations candidates.
Johnson Winter Slattery pays respect to Elders past and
present of our nation's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities.
We honour the deep spiritual, cultural and customary
connections of Traditional Owners to the Australian landscape,
including Australia's waterways, land, and sea country.

📌 Office Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Johnson Winter Slattery
📍 Melbourne