Who we are

Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) is a leading Australian law firm known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters.

At JWS, we build authentic, long-term relationships and have a deep understanding of our clients and their industries. Our clients describe us as pragmatic, strategic, commercial and easy to work with.

Our firm is made up of more than 450 highly talented people, including 80+ partners, across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth. JWS has also announced the opening of a representative office in New York, strengthening our ability to support US clients investing in Australia. We are globally connected and have strong relationships with major independent law firms around the world.

JWS was recognised as Technology, Media and Telecom M&A; Legal Adviser of the Year (Mergermarket M&A; Awards Australia 2023), Energy Law Firm of the Year (Best Lawyers 2023) and Australian Law Firm of the Year (Beaton Client Choice Awards 2025). Our lawyers are highly ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and the Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal).

We are strongly committed to social justice, responsible business and our diverse communities. We are proud of our pro bono program, which focuses on supporting low-income, disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Australian community.

About the Team

Our Corporate lawyers provide specialist legal advice to clients acquiring, managing or divesting Australian investments, including in Canberra, with a focus on M&A;, foreign investment, trade and projects in defence, critical infrastructure, technology, agribusiness and health. They work closely with the other offices of JWS and major foreign law firms to meet the needs of multinational corporations operating in Australia, as well as Australian enterprises with international operations.

The Canberra team are experts at helping industry work with government to protect and advance Australia’s national interests.



JWS is the only national full-service law firm in Canberra acting for the private sector on foreign investment, government projects and M&A;, with 3 Chambers-listed partners.

About the Role

We are looking for an Associate (2-4 PQE) to join our Canberra Corporate team, working alongside leading partners on high-profile, complex corporate and commercial matters.

You’ll be hands-on from the outset, with the opportunity to:

- draft, review and negotiate key transaction documents;
- undertake due diligence and coordinate specialist teams across complex matters;
- work through challenging legal and commercial issues; and
- play an active role in delivering practical, strategic advice to clients.

You’ll work closely with partners and have genuine exposure to significant matters and sophisticated clients, supported by training and mentoring from leading specialists in the sector.

As you develop, you’ll also have the opportunity to take greater ownership of matters and support and mentor junior members of the team.

About You

You’re technically strong, commercially minded and ready to take on more responsibility. Just as importantly, you enjoy working collaboratively and building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.

You

- bring a commercial, client-focused mindset to your advice;
- are confident working through complex matters, competing priorities and tight deadlines;
- communicate clearly and build solid relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders;
- bring energy, curiosity and a collaborative approach to your work; and
- have relevant private practice commercial law experience. Recent experience acting for the Commonwealth on complex procurements (e.g.,



Department of Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group) or engaging with Commonwealth Government agencies acting as regulators will be highly regarded.

Working at JWS

We value collaboration, and our teams work together to achieve shared outcomes. We care about the wellbeing of our people and will invest time in understanding your objectives so we can support you throughout your career. We believe this focus on our people has seen our firm grow rapidly to become one of Australia’s leading independent law firms.

We pride ourselves on being down-to-earth, approachable and always high-performing. We have worked hard to create a culture where people look out for each other.

We offer

- A collegiate environment with a collaborative culture across offices and practice groups
- High-quality work with committed mentors supporting your career development
- Comprehensive benefits, including competitive remuneration, flexible working, and extensive social and wellbeing initiatives
- Opportunities to work with major foreign law firms on international and cross-border matters
- Opportunities for professional growth through structured learning and development programs, pro bono work, and employee recognition initiatives

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity to take your career to the next level, we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to promoting a workplace that is diverse and inclusive. We encourage the best people, regardless of race, religion or belief (if any), gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age, to pursue their professional aspirations with us. In particular, we would welcome applications from First Nations candidates.

Johnson Winter Slattery pays respect to Elders past and present of our nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We honour the deep spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to the Australian landscape, including Australia’s waterways, land and sea country.

📌 Associate - Corporate (Canberra)
🏢 Johnson Winter Slattery
📍 Canberra