Principal Solicitor / Legal Practitioner Director

Location: Melbourne VIC
Employment Type: Negotiable – Full time, Part-time or Flexible Arrangement
Salary: Negotiable based on experience, availability and responsibilities

About the Opportunity

We are establishing a current law firm in Melbourne and are seeking an experienced Principal Solicitor to play a key role in building, leading and developing the practice.

This is an exciting chance for a suitably qualified legal professional to help establish the firm’s legal services, implement effective practice management systems and build a team of lawyers and law graduates.

Our aim is to provide accessible, high-quality legal services to a diverse client base, including Melbourne’s South Asian communities. We value professionalism, integrity, cultural awareness and strong client relationships.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute to the firm’s strategic direction while maintaining the professional independence and authority required of a Principal Solicitor.

Key Responsibilities

- Act as the firm’s Principal Solicitor and, subject to applicable requirements, formally appointed Legal Practitioner Director.
- Oversee legal services, professional obligations, regulatory compliance and practice management procedures.
- Independently manage client matters and provide legal advice within your areas of expertise.
- Supervise, mentor and support lawyers and law graduates, including graduates undertaking Practical Legal Training (PLT).
- Establish effective systems for client intake, conflict checks, costs disclosure, file management and risk management.
- Contribute to recruitment, staff development and the establishment of a professional team culture.
- Work closely with the founder on business development, client relationships and the firm’s growth strategy.




- Maintain appropriate professional independence and ensure compliance with applicable legal and ethical obligations.

Skills and Experience

To be considered for this role, you will have:

- A current Australian practising certificate with the necessary authorisation to practise as a principal and supervise other legal practitioners.
- Demonstrated experience managing legal matters independently.
- Experience supervising, mentoring or managing legal staff.
- Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Sound professional judgement and an understanding of legal practice compliance and risk management.
- A proactive and commercially aware approach to developing a new legal practice.
- A willingness to accept formal appointment as the company’s Legal Practitioner Director, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Additional language skills, particularly languages relevant to Melbourne’s culturally diverse communities, would be an advantage but are not essential.

What We Offer

- The opportunity to help establish and shape a new Melbourne law firm.
- A leadership role with meaningful input into the firm’s development and direction.
- The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging legal professionals.
- Flexible working arrangements, subject to discussion and the needs of the practice.
- Negotiable remuneration based on experience, availability and the scope of responsibilities.




- The opportunity to build strong client relationships and contribute to accessible legal services for a diverse community.

Working Arrangements and Remuneration

We are open to discussing full-time, part-time or other suitable working arrangements with the right candidate.

Remuneration and time commitments will be negotiated based on the successful candidate’s experience, availability and agreed responsibilities. Applicants are encouraged to outline their preferred arrangement and remuneration expectations.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the following:

- Your professional background, previous roles and main areas of legal expertise.
- Your leadership, supervision and mentoring experience.
- Your current practising certificate status and relevant authorisations.
- Your career goals and professional development aspirations.
- Your vision for the role and how you would contribute to establishing and growing the firm.
- Your preferred working arrangements, availability and remuneration expectations, specifying whether your salary expectations include or exclude superannuation.

We welcome applications from experienced legal practitioners who are interested in taking on a leadership role and contributing to the establishment of a new legal practice in Melbourne.

Application questions may include:

- Do you hold a current Australian practising certificate?
- Are you authorised to practise as a principal solicitor and supervise other legal practitioners?
- Are you willing to accept appointment as a Legal Practitioner Director, subject to applicable requirements?
- How many years of post-admission legal experience do you have?
- What are your preferred working arrangements and remuneration expectations?

Pay: $115,000.00 – $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Visa sponsorship
- Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029

📌 Principal Solicitor – Melbourne Law Firm (Hoppers Crossing)
🏢 SS Lawyers
📍 Hoppers Crossing