1. About the opportunity An opportunity is available for a Commercial Lawyer with approximately 2–5 years post-admission experience (PAE) to join an established boutique commercial law firm in Melbourne CBD. Exceptional candidates outside this range will also be considered.

The firm advises a diverse range of business, corporate and property clients, offering varied work across commercial agreements, business transactions, property matters and general commercial advisory services.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, commercially minded and enjoy solving problems, contributing practical ideas and working collaboratively with experienced senior practitioners. The role offers direct client exposure, supportive guidance and opportunities to further develop technical expertise and progressively take on greater responsibility.

2. Position purpose The successful candidate will be cognisant of the commercial outcome a client is seeking and willing to look beyond the immediate legal question. With guidance where needed, they will explore practical options and help turn agreed solutions into clear contractual drafting.

The role suits a lawyer who is comfortable sharing ideas, asking thoughtful questions and bringing proposed solutions or draft documents to senior practitioners for discussion. They will progressively manage allocated work, recognise when to seek guidance and provide responsive client service.

3. Key responsibilities

Commercial drafting, structuring and negotiation

- Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, deeds and related documents, including opportunities to develop tailored agreements and provisions beyond standard precedents.
- Translate client instructions and agreed commercial terms into clear contractual obligations, protections and practical arrangements for implementation, with guidance from senior practitioners where appropriate.
- Identify drafting issues and potential risks, discuss available options and contribute practical solutions.
- General Commercial Advisory & Related Legal Matters
- Provide practical advice on a variety of commercial and business matters, which may include workplace arrangements, regulatory questions, governance and contractual disputes.
- Draft and review related documents, including employment agreements, contractor arrangements, workplace policies and other business agreements, with guidance as needed.
- Research relevant legal and regulatory requirements, explain findings clearly and recognise when to seek senior or specialist input.

Commercial and Corporate Transactions

- Assist with, and progressively take responsibility for, business acquisitions and disposals, shareholder arrangements and other commercial transactions.
- Support legal due diligence, transaction documents, negotiations and completion steps,



taking ownership of allocated tasks as experience develops.
- Develop experience advising on business arrangements such as services, supply, consultancy, confidentiality and licensing agreements.

Commercial and financial structures

- Develop familiarity with common commercial structures, including companies, trusts, special purpose vehicles, joint ventures and funding arrangements.
- Gain exposure to financing and security arrangements, such as mortgages, guarantees, security interests and priority arrangements, and how they affect transactions.
- Build practical awareness of industries such as property development, construction and business operations and how their commercial needs shape agreements.

Property and related matters

- Assist with, and progressively manage, commercial, industrial and residential property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing and development-related transactions.
- Draft and review property agreements, including contracts of sale, commercial leases, agreements for lease, licences and related documents, with appropriate guidance.
- Assist with property due diligence, including reviewing titles, plans, encumbrances, easements and other land dealings, and identifying issues for discussion.
- Support property transactions and conveyancing processes from initial instructions through settlement and post-settlement steps, progressively managing allocated workflows.
- Develop or apply familiarity with property and legal transaction platforms such as PEXA, SPEAR, LANDATA, InfoTrack and LEAP; prior experience with every platform is not expected.
- Apply and continue developing knowledge of relevant Victorian and Commonwealth law affecting property and commercial transactions, with guidance on unfamiliar or specialist issues.

Matter ownership and client engagement

- Manage allocated tasks and matters with appropriate support, keep track of deadlines and build confidence in anticipating next steps.
- Communicate with clients to understand objectives, obtain instructions and provide updates, with senior practitioner support where appropriate.
- Share concise analysis, practical suggestions and draft documents with senior practitioners for feedback and approval.
- Work with clients, counterparties and skilled advisers to progress transactions, maintain accurate records and flag issues requiring further input.

4. Candidate requirements

Essential

- Admitted Australian legal practitioner holding,



or eligible to hold, an appropriate Victorian practising certificate.
- Ideally 2–5 years PAE in commercial law, property law or a related practice; relevant capability and potential are more important than a rigid experience threshold.
- Experience drafting and reviewing commercial agreements, with an interest in developing more advanced drafting skills.
- Sound foundations in contract law and an understanding of common contractual obligations and risks.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, including a willingness to explore options, ask questions and suggest practical solutions.
- Good written and verbal communication, attention to detail and the ability to manage allocated work with appropriate guidance.
- Familiarity with commercial or property law principles and transaction processes, and the judgment to seek guidance when needed.
- An interest in developing broader knowledge of corporate, trust and financing structures and how they relate to commercial transactions.

Highly regarded

- Experience spanning commercial and property transactions, including leasing, business sales or shareholder arrangements.
- Exposure to corporate, developer, institutional or government clients.
- Experience in a boutique or mid-tier practice with direct client contact and varied matters.
- Hands-on familiarity with PEXA, SPEAR, LANDATA, InfoTrack or comparable property transaction and due diligence platforms.
- Exposure to development, construction, infrastructure, secured lending, joint ventures or other related industries and financial arrangements.

5. Working style and attributes

- Curious and solutions-focused: willing to ask questions, explore options and contribute ideas.
- Commercially minded: interested in understanding clients’ objectives and finding practical ways forward.
- Reliable and proactive: takes responsibility for allocated work and follows through.
- Collaborative: welcomes feedback and knows when to seek guidance.
- Adaptable: interested in learning across different agreements, industries and transactions.

6. Why consider the opportunity?

- Direct exposure to experienced senior practitioners and a varied commercial client base.
- Opportunities to develop drafting skills, work directly with clients and progressively manage matters.
- A supportive boutique environment with varied work, mentoring and professional development.
- Competitive remuneration based on capability and experience.

7. Application process To apply, please submit your CV to David Duong at [email protected]. For a confidential discussion or further information regarding the opportunity, please feel free to get in touch.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

Pay: $100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 COMMERCIAL LAWYER / ASSOCIATE (Melbourne)
🏢 ADD Equity u0026
📍 Melbourne