Associate (2-4 PQE) - Construction - Melbourne

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Paid parental leave (26 weeks)

Life and salary continuance insurance

Job summary

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP (HFW) in Melbourne is seeking an Associate (2-4 PQE) to join our National Construction team. The role focuses on local and international construction disputes, with ownership of parts of matters and close collaboration with Partners and senior colleagues.

You will be mentored by experienced lawyers and supported by a high-performing team, with a strong emphasis on professional development, curiosity, and initiative in a flexible, hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• At least two years' of litigation experience, most of which should be in construction disputes
• Genuine interest in building a specialist career in construction law
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail
• A client-focused mindset and a commitment to delivering a high standard of service
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex legal and commercial issues and apply them in practice
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to the success of the wider HFW team

Responsibilities

• You will be part of a high-performing and supportive national team working on local and international construction disputes.
• You will be trusted with meaningful responsibility from the start and will be encouraged to take ownership of parts of matters, work closely with Partners and senior team members, and collaborate across the broader team nationally.

Job description

Associate (2-4 PQE) - Construction - Melbourne

Posted: 26/08/2026

Closing Date: 05/10/2026

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Melbourne

Job Category: Associate

The Firm

HFW is a sector focused global law firm with a focus on construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities, corporate & commercial and insurance. We have over 700 lawyers working across Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. With a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business, thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients, we are dynamic, entrepreneurial and leaders in our specialist areas.

In Australia, we have 4 offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and around 220 team members.

The Team

Our National Construction team operates across all four of our Australian offices. In Melbourne, our Construction team is composed of three Partners, one Consultant, one Senior Associate and four Associates. We represent many of the largest international construction companies, with a particular focus on infrastructure projects in the energy and transport sectors. Working collaboratively across multiple jurisdictions we provide a dependable and responsive service, irrespective of where the project is based.

Job Description

The role

A strong pipeline of new matters has created an opportunity for an Associate (ideally with 2-4 years’ experience) to join our highly regarded Construction team in Melbourne.

In this role, you will be part of a high‑performing and supportive national team working on local and international construction disputes. You will be trusted with meaningful responsibility from the start and will be encouraged to take ownership of parts of matters, work closely with Partners and senior team members, and collaborate across the broader team nationally. You will be supported and mentored by experienced lawyers who are committed to your professional development, with regular access to learning and development opportunities. Curiosity, initiative and a genuine eagerness to learn are qualities that will be actively encouraged and supported.

Desired Skills and Experience

About you

To be successful and thrive in this role you will have the following skills and attributes:

• At least two years' of litigation experience, most of which should be in construction disputes
• Genuine interest in building a specialist career in construction law
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellentattention to detail
• A client‑focused mindset and a commitment to delivering a high standard of service
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex legal and commercial issues and apply them in practice
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to the success of the wider HFW team

What's in it for you?

If you're eager to join a friendly team in a positive environment, this opportunity could be ideal for you. As well as a friendly, down to earth group of colleagues, we offer the following benefits:

• Market-competitive remuneration package, transparent and generous bonus scheme,employee referral incentives, and life and salary continuance insurance
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives, such as annual flu vaccinations, access to the Employee Assistance Program, free subscriptions to wellbeing apps, and subsidised sporting activities
• An active employee-led Social Committee, organising regular events in all our offices
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance work and life commitments effectively
• The ability to purchase additional annual leave and access our Paid Parental Leave (26 weeks)
• Beautiful offices in the CBD with excellent end-of-trip facilities
• A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative work environment