Associate - Employment Law

Sydney CBD | 2+ years’ PQE

Most employment lawyers spend their careers cleaning up after workplace problems. We’d rather stop them happening.

Why PCS

People + Culture Strategies (“PCS”) is not a traditional law firm – and we have never wanted to be one. Founded in 2010, we combine specialist legal practice with management consulting, working exclusively in labour and employment law and strategy for employers of every size, across every industry.

That combination changes the work. Alongside advice, investigations, bargaining and litigation, our team run mediations, design and deliver training, facilitate leadership sessions and help clients shape their culture and people strategy. We measure success not only by the outcome of a dispute, but by our ability to help the client avoid it in the first place.

What makes us different:

- Law and strategy under one roof. You will grow as a lawyer and as a trusted adviser, building commercial and consulting skills most associates do not get near until much later in their careers – if ever.
- Pure specialisation. Labour and employment is all we do. Every matter you touch deepens your expertise.
- Prevention over cure. We partner with clients for the long term, so you will see issues from the boardroom through to the Tribunal – and help shape what happens before either.
- Learn from recognised thought leaders. Our leaders are some of Australia's most respected employment lawyers, recognised for their expertise, commerciality and results. You will work directly with our senior team, not three layers removed.
- A global outlook.



As the Australian member of Innangard, an international employment law alliance, we work with leading peer firms around the world.
- A firm with a pulse. Through our philanthropic pillars of sport, the arts and education, our people bring their expertise to the community, well beyond the office.

The role

We are looking for an Associate with at least 2+ years’ PQE to join our Sydney CBD team. You will work directly alongside our senior legal team on a varied, rapid-moving practice, including:

- advising clients across the full employment lifecycle – contracts, policies, performance management, terminations, awards and enterprise bargaining;
- supporting the conduct of workplace investigations and matters involving bullying, harassment and discrimination;
- representing clients in the Fair Work Commission, Courts and Tribunals;
- contributing to our consulting work, including training, mediations and strategic advisory engagements;
- turning complex law into clear, practical advice that busy executives and HR leaders can act on – quickly;
- owning your matters: managing scope, budgets and client expectations with confidence; and
- building your profile and the Firm’s through presentations, articles, research and client events.

About you





- At least 2 years’ PQE in employment law and workplace relations, ideally across both advisory and contentious work;
- Robust technical foundations – and the judgement to recognise when the law is only part of the answer;
- Writing that is crisp, plain and persuasive, and the confidence to back your advice in front of clients;
- Genuine curiosity about how organisations really work – culture, leadership and behaviour – not just what the legislation says;
- A collaborative, proactive approach and real respect for colleagues at every level; and
- An appetite to keep learning, and a genuine passion for employment law.

What’s in it for you

- Direct access to our Directors (including our globally-recognised Founder) and senior lawyers, with real responsibility from day one;
- A breadth of work that is rare at this level – legal, consulting, training and strategy;
- Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced practitioners; and
- Opportunities to contribute to thought leadership initiatives and develop your own professional profile.

To apply

If you are interested in this role, send your resume and a cover letter to Tracey Pace at [email protected].

In your cover letter, tell us about one thing you think employers are getting wrong about managing people. We want to hear how you think.

Agency submissions

We do not accept agency submissions unless the agency has been specifically contacted by our Firm.

Pay: $90,000.00 – $150,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Associate (Sydney)
🏢 People + Culture Strategies
📍 Sydney