Take the lead in Family Law

Your experience. Your leadership. The opportunity to make a real impact.

An established, award-winning Sydney law firm is seeking an accomplished Special Counsel or Principal to lead and develop its Family Law division.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Family Lawyer looking for more than just another senior legal role.

You’ll have genuine autonomy over complex matters, work closely with senior leadership and play an influential role in the direction, development and continued success of the practice.

Whether you’re already heading up a team or you’re an exceptional senior practitioner ready to take that next step, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Why you’ll love working here

- Attractive remuneration – $200,000–$240,000 + performance bonuses, recognising your expertise and contribution.
- Genuine autonomy – Take ownership of complex Family Law matters and make meaningful decisions without unnecessary hierarchy.
- Leadership and influence – Lead, mentor and develop a team while helping shape the future of the practice.
- Direct access to leadership – Work closely with experienced senior practitioners in a collaborative, down-to-earth environment.
- Interesting, challenging work – Manage sophisticated parenting and property disputes requiring strategic thinking, empathy and sound judgment.
- Opportunity to make your mark – Take an active role in developing the practice, improving processes and driving its continued success.
- Supportive culture – Join a friendly, approachable team that values collaboration, professionalism and mutual respect.
- Established and ambitious – Enjoy the stability of an established firm with the opportunity to influence its next chapter.
- Flexibility and balance – Enjoy a supportive working environment, with flexible and hybrid arrangements considered.

The work

You’ll take the lead on a diverse range of Family Law matters, with responsibility for managing complex proceedings, supporting your team and overseeing the continued development of the practice.

Your work will include:





- Leading and managing the Family Law practice, including supervising and mentoring solicitors and support staff.
- Managing complex parenting and property settlement matters, including high-value disputes involving trusts, companies, business interests and sophisticated financial structures.
- Conducting contested interim applications and preparing matters for final hearings.
- Developing legal strategies, providing practical advice and guiding clients through sensitive and challenging disputes.
- Preparing and overseeing complex affidavits, pleadings, court applications, submissions and settlement documentation.
- Engaging expert witnesses, including forensic accountants, business valuers and other relevant specialists.
- Preparing briefs and instructing barristers.
- Overseeing client relationships, workflow and file management.
- Contributing to the practice’s operational performance, strategic direction and continued growth.

You’ll have the freedom to lead with confidence, backed by an experienced and supportive wider team.

About you

We’re looking for an accomplished Family Lawyer who combines exceptional technical ability with sound judgment, empathy, commercial awareness and a genuine interest in leadership.

Essential:

- 8+ years’ post-admission experience, predominantly in Family Law.
- Extensive experience independently managing complex parenting and property proceedings.
- Excellent drafting, advocacy, negotiation and litigation strategy skills.
- Strong knowledge of family law legislation, evidentiary requirements and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia procedures.
- Experience engaging expert witnesses and briefing and instructing barristers.




- Confidence managing contested matters from initial advice through to hearing or resolution.
- Strong client relationship management skills and the ability to navigate sensitive and high-conflict situations.
- The ability to lead, mentor and support other legal practitioners.
- Sound commercial judgment and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

Highly regarded:

- Accredited Specialist status in Family Law.
- Previous experience leading or managing a Family Law team or department.

Already an established department head? Fantastic. An exceptional senior practitioner ready to step into leadership? We’d be equally interested in speaking with you.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work, values their team and is excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing practice.

About the firm

An established, full-service Sydney law firm with a strong reputation across a broad range of practice areas.

The firm combines high-quality legal work with a collaborative, approachable and supportive working setting.

With an ambitious outlook and a commitment to continued growth, the firm values experience, encourages fresh ideas and offers senior practitioners the opportunity to have a genuine voice in the future of the business.

This is an environment where your expertise will be recognised, your input will be valued and you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Let’s have a conversation

If you’re an experienced Family Lawyer looking for greater autonomy, genuine leadership opportunities and the chance to make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

Not actively looking? We understand that the right opportunity isn’t always something you’re searching for. If this sounds like a role worth exploring, we’re equally happy to have an informal, confidential conversation.

Apply below to find out more about this opportunity.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence. Applications from experienced interstate practitioners open to relocating are also welcome.

📌 Special Counsel / Principal – Head of Family Law (Sydney)
🏢 New South Lawyers
📍 Sydney