Associate

Sharp & Carter; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development and study

Wellbeing initiatives

Generous parental leave

Additional leave options

Job summary

Sharp & Carter in Melbourne is seeking a Litigation Lawyer to join its dispute resolution team. The role offers exposure to a broad range of commercial disputes and the chance to work alongside experienced practitioners on complex matters from early stages through resolution.

You will bring 3–6 years' post-admission experience in a reputable litigation practice, strong drafting, research and client communication skills, and a proactive approach to deadlines.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting pleadings, affidavits, and court documents.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Work with partners on a broad range of commercial litigation matters.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, court documents, and detailed advice.
• Undertake legal research and develop strategies for disputes.
• Manage discovery processes and prepare matters for hearing.
• Attend court proceedings, mediations and settlement conferences.
• Liaise with clients, counsel and stakeholders.
• Take increasing ownership of matters as experience grows.

Skills

Pleadings drafting

Affidavits drafting

Submissions writing

Legal research

Client liaison

Time management

Job description

Our client is a highly regarded national commercial law firm with an established presence across Australia and a strong reputation for delivering sophisticated, commercially focused legal advice.

With an impressive client base, a collaborative culture and a genuine commitment to professional development, the firm offers an excellent environment for ambitious lawyers seeking quality work, meaningful responsibility and long-term career progression.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Litigation Lawyer to join its growing Melbourne Dispute Resolution team, working alongside experienced and highly regarded practitioners on a broad range of interesting and complex matters.

About the Role:

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a well-established commercial litigation practice, gaining exposure to a diverse mix of disputes and the opportunity to work closely with senior lawyers and clients.

The practice advises across a broad range of contentious matters, including commercial and contractual disputes, corporate litigation, professional negligence, property disputes, wills and estates, family trust disputes and regulatory proceedings.

You will be involved in matters from their early stages through to resolution, gaining valuable experience in litigation strategy, drafting, evidence preparation, court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with partners and senior lawyers on a broad range of commercial litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Drafting pleadings, affidavits, court documents, correspondence and detailed legal advice.
• Undertaking legal research and developing practical strategies for resolving complex disputes.
• Managing discovery processes, reviewing evidence and assisting with the preparation of matters for hearing.
• Attending court proceedings, mediations and settlement conferences.
• Liaising with clients, counsel and other stakeholders throughout the litigation process.
• Taking increasing ownership of matters as your experience and confidence develop.

Importantly, the role offers the opportunity to build your technical capabilities while developing the commercial judgement, client relationships and autonomy required to progress your career.

About You:

You will ideally have between 3–6 years' post-admission experience, gained within a reputable litigation practice, and a genuine interest in developing your career in commercial dispute resolution.

While experience in general commercial and corporate litigation would be advantageous, the firm is also interested in lawyers with broader litigation backgrounds who demonstrate strong technical ability, excellent drafting skills and the potential to develop further.

You will bring:

• Experience drafting pleadings, affidavits, submissions and other litigation documentation.
• Exposure to court proceedings, dispute resolution processes and the management of contentious matters.
• Strong legal research, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive approach to managing competing deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage with clients and senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative mindset, sound commercial judgement and genuine enthusiasm for developing as a litigator.

Experience in superior court litigation or previous court appearances will be well regarded but is not essential.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an attractive opportunity for a developing litigator seeking more than simply a change of firm.

You will benefit from exposure to a genuinely varied disputes practice, the opportunity to learn from experienced senior practitioners and a supportive environment where professional development is actively encouraged.

The firm offers a range of benefits, including professional development and study support, wellbeing initiatives, generous parental leave arrangements and additional leave options.

For an ambitious Litigation Lawyer seeking quality matters, strong mentorship, increasing autonomy and a clear opportunity to develop within a respected national commercial law firm, this is an excellent next career move.