Associate / Senior - Tax Disputes Lawyer

ALRA | Australia’s Leading Recruitment Agency; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ALRA Australia is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate Tax Lawyer to specialise in ATO audits, reviews and tax disputes in a Top-Tier practice in Sydney. The role involves handling high-value disputes for sophisticated clients and advising through every stage of the dispute process.

You'll work closely with Partners, develop legal strategy, and manage files with autonomy while engaging directly with senior ATO decision-makers on complex audits and disputes.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients through ATO reviews and audits
• Prepare objections and submissions
• Negotiate with the ATO on disputed matters
• Progress matters through litigation when required
• Collaborate with Partners and cross-functional teams on tax controversy matters

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate Tax Lawyer (3–7 PQE) to develop their specialisation in ATO audits, reviews and tax disputes in a Top-Tier practice. You'll work on high-value disputes where the commercial and financial stakes are significant, helping sophisticated clients navigate contentious ATO matters as part of a team that is regularly involved in some of Australia's most important tax disputes.

From the outset, you'll be involved in every stage of the dispute process, advising clients through ATO reviews and audits, preparing objections and submissions, negotiating with the ATO and, where required, progressing matters through litigation. The work spans disputes arising across corporate, international, indirect tax and private client matters, providing excellent variety while allowing you to develop genuine depth in tax controversy.

One of the strengths of this opportunity is the level of autonomy you'll receive. You'll be trusted to take carriage of matters while working closely with highly regarded Partners, leading the day-to-day management of files, developing legal strategy, preparing technical submissions and building strong relationships with clients, while enjoying the autonomy to exercise your own judgement and drive matters forward.

You'll regularly engage directly with senior ATO decision-makers on complex audits and disputes, developing the strategic negotiation skills that distinguish leading tax controversy practitioners. Much of the work involves advising international corporates, successful private groups and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, providing exposure to sophisticated taxation issues that sit alongside broader commercial and wealth structuring considerations.

Success in tax disputes requires more than a strong understanding of legislation. You'll learn how to identify the issues that genuinely matter, assess the evidentiary position, anticipate the ATO's approach and develop practical strategies that achieve the best commercial outcome for your clients.

You'll also benefit from working in a highly collaborative environment alongside lawyers across Corporate, Property, Litigation and Private Client teams. This provides valuable commercial context and the opportunity to advise on tax issues arising from significant transactions, restructures and commercial disputes.

_______________________________________