Special Counsel – Wills & Estates | Melbourne CBD | Hybrid

Lead complex estate litigation at a top ranked boutique, with the mentoring, flexibility and genuine path to Principal that are hard to find.

The Prospect

You’ll run a portfolio of contentious probate and estate litigation matters from first instructions to resolution, with a high degree of autonomy. As a senior member of the team, you’ll provide technical guidance across the practice, mentor junior lawyers and help shape the practice’s continued growth. The work is complex, referral-driven and taken on an upfront-fee basis.

Key Responsibilities

- Run will validity challenges, family provision claims, executor and trustee disputes, and powers of attorney and guardianship disputes, as well as superannuation and VCAT matters.
- Own strategy, evidence and court documents, appear at mediations and hearings, and brief counsel.
- Give clear, commercial advice on prospects, strategy and costs to clients navigating grief and family conflict.
- Use your contentious experience to support estate planning and administration work.
- Supervise and develop junior lawyers and build referral relationships that grow the practice.

About You

- Admitted in Victoria with 10+ years’ PQE, predominantly in Wills & Estates.




- Substantial hands-on experience running contentious estate matters independently.
- Strong knowledge of Melbourne’s courts, procedures and Bar.
- Excellent drafting, advocacy and client advisory skills.
- A collaborative, practical leader who enjoys mentoring and building a practice.
- Senior Associates ready to step up to Special Counsel will also be considered.

What’s on Offer

- Work alongside LIV Accredited Specialists and Principals who actively teach the profession.
- A clear pathway towards Principal, with business development support to build your profile.
- A 5.5-hour daily billable target and hybrid working, with real time for life outside work.
- Bonus schemes and an introducer incentive.
- Two extra days of annual leave, wellbeing support and a down-to-earth, collegiate team.
- Full-time or a minimum of four days per week.

For a confidential discussion, contact Chantel Forster at [email protected] or on +61 497 651 226. Elwyn Forster respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, live, learn and play. We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

📌 Special Counsel, Wills & Estate (Melbourne)
🏢 Elwyn Forster
📍 Melbourne