About Gordon Legal

Gordon Legal has advocacy for workers in its DNA.

Founded in Melbourne by Peter Gordon, the firm has grown from a strong history in plaintiff, workers’ rights and public-interest litigation. Our commitment to fairness, access to justice and meaningful legal work continues to shape who we are today.

We're independent, progressive and prepared to challenge conventional thinking when there's a better way of doing something. We value good ideas, initiative and people who genuinely care about the work they do.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Associate - Industrial & Employment Law to join our Melbourne team.

You'll act for union clients and their members across a broad range of employment and industrial law matters, including disciplinary processes, misconduct, workplace investigations, dismissals and underpayment disputes.

This is an opportunity for an Associate who wants substantive legal work, hands-on advocacy and direct relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

What You'll Be Doing

- Advise and represent unions and their members in employment and industrial disputes
- Manage disciplinary, misconduct, dismissal and underpayment matters
- Appear or instruct at conciliations, mediations and court or tribunal proceedings
- Draft advice, correspondence, submissions and briefs
- Build strong relationships with union clients, members and key stakeholders

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

- 2+ years PAE in industrial and employment law or a relevant related area




- Strong knowledge of employment and industrial relations law
- Strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills
- Confidence managing matters and competing priorities
- Experience working with unions or member-based organisations is highly regarded

Just as importantly, you'll be practical, collaborative and comfortable contributing your own ideas.

Our Culture

We want lawyers who are thoughtful, curious and prepared to contribute.

A principle reflected in Peter Gordon’s account of the Robodebt litigation is that the quality of an idea matters more than the seniority of the person who has it. Junior lawyers were encouraged to develop and workshop arguments that helped shape the case.

That's the kind of workplace we want to continue building. You'll be supported by experienced practitioners while also being trusted to think, contribute and develop your own judgement.

Benefits

- Hybrid working arrangements
- 24 weeks paid parental leave
- 5 days paid shutdown leave annually
- 4 days Health, Wellbeing, Religious or Cultural Leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Ongoing learning and professional development
- Supportive and collaborative team culture
- Genuine flexibility and work-life balance
- Modern Melbourne CBD office
- Opportunity to contribute to meaningful and impactful legal work

How to Apply

If you’re looking to build your industrial and employment law career while doing work that has genuine impact, we'd like to hear from you.

Click Apply and submit your CV and a short cover letter.

📌 Associate - Industrial & Employment Law (Melbourne)
🏢 Gordon Legal
📍 Melbourne