Commercial & Insolvency Litigation Lawyer

Empire Group; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected Melbourne law firm is seeking a Special Counsel to lead their insolvency and commercial litigation team. This role involves mentoring junior lawyers, managing complex disputes, and driving business development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in dispute resolution, an ability to manage relationships with clients, and a passion for leadership. This position offers a highly competitive remuneration package and a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

Highly competitive remuneration package

Flexible working arrangements

Collegiate team culture

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years PAE in dispute resolution and litigation, strong insolvency expertise.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor more junior lawyers.
• Keen on growth, innovation, and success.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of junior lawyers and law clerks.
• Manage various disputes including commercial agreements and insolvency proceedings.
• Drive business development initiatives.

Skills

Dispute resolution

Insolvency expertise

Client relationship skills

Mentorship

Commercial awareness

Education

Accredited Specialist or equivalent experience

Job description

Special Counsel - Insolvency & Commercial Litigation

The Opportunity

Take the next step in your career with a leadership role at one of Melbourne's most respected mid size firms. With a proud 60 year history and a reputation for excellence, becoming part of this salt of the earth firm, opens the door to what will be a rewarding role. Under the guidance and support of the Director of the Litigation Team, you'll step in to take the lead and mentor extremely talented team members, while managing a diverse portfolio of complex insolvency and commercial litigation matters, all within a supportive and collegiate environment.

The Firm

Established decades ago, this firm has grown into one of Melbourne's most respected practices. With over 70 experienced legal professionals and a collegiate, client‑focused culture, the firm is known for combining technical excellence with genuine care for clients. Accredited Specialists lead teams across commercial litigation, insolvency, employment law, property, family law, wills & estates, ensuring breadth and depth of expertise.

The Role

As Special Counsel, you will:

• Lead a team of more junior lawyers and law clerks across insolvency and commercial litigation matters
• Manage disputes involving commercial agreements, property, franchising, leasing, debt recovery, and building matters
• Act for corporate clients, SMEs, and private individuals in insolvency proceedings and complex disputes
• Drive business development initiatives and contribute to the financial management of the team
• Enjoy high levels of client contact and autonomy in running matters at a senior level
• Enjoy a steady flow of complex, high-quality matters - this practice offers consistency, challenge, and engaging work designed to keep you motivated and excited about your career.

About You

• 10-15+ years PAE in dispute resolution and litigation, with strong insolvency expertise
• Proven ability to manage and mentor more junior lawyers
• Keen to bring your values, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm for growth, innovation, and success to a team that thrives on excellence
• Commercially astute, with strong client relationship skills
• Accredited Specialist or equivalent experience highly regarded
• Seeking to step into a genuine leadership role with a clear career pathway - including progression to executive and senior leadership positions within the firm, and ultimately to partnership

The Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package
• Genuine flexibility, including hybrid working arrangements
• Collegiate team culture with strong staff longevity
• Opportunity to help shape and grow a thriving insolvency and litigation practice within a respected mid size firm
• Be part of a success story that continues to thrive, adapt, and evolve - now and well into the future.

For more information, contact Libby Mizrahi LLB(Hons) at Empire Group in confidence on 0468 433 569 or [e-mail].