Commercial Litigation Partner

Michelle Sneesby - Founder and Managing Partner; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Bonus above mid-tier

Job summary

empire group in Melbourne is seeking an accomplished Commercial Litigation lawyer at Principal level to lead complex disputes and grow the practice. You will benefit from a strong client base, high-quality work across diverse industries, and a genuine pathway to Partnership within a supportive, merit-based partnership.

The role offers hybrid working and a clear platform to advance your profile and influence within the firm.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.
• Ability to manage complex matters autonomously.
• Proven client relationships and stakeholder management capability.
• Ambition to continue building your profile in the market with strong referral networks.
• Leadership to mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a significant commercial litigation practice at Principal level.
• Develop and manage client relationships and referral networks.
• Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team growth.
• Drive business development and contribute to the firm’s growth and partnership trajectory.

Skills

Commercial litigation

Dispute resolution

Client relationship management

Business development

Leadership

Job description

Join a highly regarded commercial law firm where you'll find what many senior litigators spend years searching for: quality clients, complex work, respected leadership and a genuine pathway to Partnership.

Our client is a leading Australian firm with a longstanding reputation for excellence, more than 50 partners and over 300 staff across multiple offices. The firm is recognised for its deep sector expertise, collaborative culture, and for being a firm where lawyers stay and develop their careers into Partners.

An opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Commercial Litigation lawyer to join the team at Principal level and play a key role in the continued growth of an established and highly regarded disputes practice.

This role offers:

• A significant and established commercial litigation practice
• High-quality disputes work across a diverse range of industries
• Strong existing client relationships and referral networks
• The opportunity to develop your own profile and practice within a respected platform
• A genuine pathway to Partnership
• A collaborative and supportive partnership group
• A merit-based culture where contribution and performance are recognised
• Hybrid working arrangements and a mature approach to workplace flexibility
• Renumeration & bonus strcuture above the level of most mid tiers

About You

You may be an accomplished Senior Associate ready for the next step, or an existing Special Counsel or Principal seeking a stronger long-term platform.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution
• Strong technical skills and the ability to manage complex matters autonomously
• Proven client relationship and stakeholder management capability
• Sound commercial judgement and business development aptitude
• The ambition to continue building your profile in the market with strong referral networks and relationships forged over time
• A collaborative approach and commitment to exceptional client service
• The leadership skills to mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team growth

Why This Role?

For many senior litigators, the challenge isn't finding quality work. It's finding a firm where advancement is genuinely achievable.

This opportunity offers the rare combination of sophisticated litigation work, a strong and loyal client base, recognised market standing and a clear progression pathway. You'll join a firm that values long-term relationships, invests heavily in its people and provides the support, autonomy and credibility needed to take your career to the next level.

Company: empire group
Date posted: 9th Nov, 2026