Associate / Senior Associate - Commercial Litigation & Class Actions

Michelle Sneesby - Founder and Managing Partner; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Mentoring opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Empire Group in Sydney seeks an Associate or Senior Associate (3-8 PQE) to join its specialist commercial litigation and class actions practice. You will manage significant components of complex disputes, draft pleadings and court documents, and work with Partners on high-profile matters.

You will build client relationships, contribute to strategy, and develop your profile within a growing firm that offers mentorship, flexible working arrangements, and clear career progression.

Qualifications

• 3-8 years post-admission experience.
• Experience in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, regulatory investigations and/or class actions.
• Strong drafting, analytical and technical legal skills.
• Ability to manage matters autonomously while working collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage significant components of complex commercial litigation and class action matters.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, submissions and court documents.
• Conduct detailed legal research and contribute to litigation strategy.
• Work directly with Partners and senior litigators on high-profile disputes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, counsel and expert witnesses.
• Assist with advocacy opportunities and court appearances.

Skills

Drafting

Analytical skills

Client management

Commercial litigation

Job description

Associate / Senior Associate – Commercial Litigation & Class Actions
Lead complex disputes | Work on market-leading class actions | Learn from recognised litigators | Accelerate your career

The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate or Senior Associate (3-8 PQE) to join a highly regarded specialist litigation firm in Sydney.
This is an opportunity to join a growing and ambitious practice recognised for its expertise in complex commercial litigation and class actions. Founded by leading litigators who previously headed a prominent class actions practice, the firm has quickly established an enviable reputation for securing exceptional outcomes in significant and high-profile disputes.
Working closely with highly respected Partners and senior practitioners, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of sophisticated matters, build strong client relationships and play a meaningful role in the continued growth of the Sydney practice.
The successful candidate will ideally have 3-8 years' post-admission experience with a background in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, regulatory investigations and/or class actions.

About the Firm
Our client is a specialist litigation practice with an outstanding reputation for acting in complex, large-scale and high-impact disputes.
The firm is widely recognised for its expertise in class actions and commercial litigation and acts in matters that have significant consequences for businesses, individuals and the wider community.
With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation and excellence, the firm offers lawyers the opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful matters while benefiting from close mentorship, genuine responsibility and long-term career development.

About the Role
As an Associate / Senior Associate, you will:

• Manage significant components of complex commercial litigation and class action matters
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, submissions and a range of sophisticated court documents
• Conduct detailed legal research and contribute to litigation strategy
• Work directly with Partners and senior litigators on high-profile disputes
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, counsel and expert witnesses
• Assist with advocacy opportunities and court appearances
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the practice
• Develop your profile and progress your career within a growing specialist firm

About You
You will ideally have:

• 3-8 years' post-admission experience
• Experience in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, regulatory investigations and/or class actions
• Strong drafting, analytical and technical legal skills
• The ability to manage matters autonomously while working collaboratively within a team
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills
• A commercial and strategic approach to dispute resolution
• A genuine interest in complex litigation and high-profile disputes
• The confidence and maturity to liaise directly with clients, counsel and other stakeholders

Why Join?

• Work on market-leading commercial litigation and class action matters
• Gain direct access to highly respected and experienced litigators
• Exposure to complex, high-profile disputes that make a real impact
• Take ownership of matters and client relationships
• Join a collaborative and supportive team with approachable leadership
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements and a genuine focus on work-life balance
• Access outstanding mentoring and professional development opportunities
• Enjoy genuine career progression as the Sydney practice continues to grow
• Competitive remuneration package

At Empire Group, we value diversity and are committed to equitable recruitment. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Our focus is on creating fair, accessible, and culturally safe recruitment processes that genuinely reflect and respect the communities we serve.