Criminal Lawyer 5-10yrs PQE - Sunshine Coast

Optio6 Talent Partners; Sunshine Coast Regional; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

WFH options

Early Friday finishes

Mentoring from senior practitioners

Job summary

Optio6 Talent Partners is partnering with a respected Sunshine Coast law firm to appoint an experienced Criminal Lawyer. You will handle meaningful criminal matters, with mentoring from Accredited specialists and leadership opportunities.

The role offers a healthy work‑life balance with flexible, hybrid arrangements, a supportive team culture and the chance to contribute to high-profile cases while advancing your advocacy and technical capabilities in a friendly coastal region.

Qualifications

• Approximately 5–15 years’ post‑admission experience with a strong criminal law focus.
• Admission in Queensland, or eligibility to practise in Queensland.
• Experience independently managing criminal matters with regular court appearances.
• Strong courtroom advocacy and analytical skills.
• Ability to work autonomously within a collaborative team and mentor others.
• Interest in mentoring less experienced lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Managing a diverse portfolio of criminal law matters
• Regular court appearances, including pleas, bail applications and hearings
• Preparing for and instructing Counsel in trials
• Providing strategic advice on complex legal issues and risk
• Liaising with Counsel, experts, police and other stakeholders
• Managing matters with a high degree of autonomy
• Mentoring and supporting junior lawyers
• Contributing to the ongoing development of the criminal law practice

Skills

Criminal law experience

Courtroom advocacy

Independent matter management

Client-focused

Mentoring

Job description

Criminal Lawyer 5-10yrs PQE - Sunshine Coast

This firm fosters a genuinely supportive and collaborative environment, with a strong focus on mentoring, development and long-term career progression

10th November, 2026

New year. New opportunities. Could 2027 be the year you take your legal career somewhere new?

Whether you're considering relocating to Queensland, looking for a fresh professional challenge or simply wondering what else might be out there, this could be an opportunity worth exploring.

And if you're planning a well‑earned break over the festive season before making your next career move, that's perfectly fine too!

Our client is open to welcoming the right person in 2027 and would love to start the conversation now.

The Opportunity Optio6 Talent Partners is partnering with a highly regarded, well‑established Sunshine Coast law firm seeking an experienced Criminal Lawyer to join its respected legal team.

With a longstanding reputation for strong advocacy, exceptional client service and achieving positive outcomes in complex legal matters, this firm offers the opportunity to undertake meaningful work alongside highly experienced legal professionals.

You’ll join a knowledgeable and supportive team where your expertise is valued, your professional development is encouraged and your contribution is recognised.

This isn't simply about finding your next role. It's about finding a firm where you can continue building a rewarding career while enjoying the lifestyle you want outside work.

What's on Offer?

• $130,000–$160,000 + super + bonuses, with remuneration open to discussion based on your experience and capabilities.
• Be rewarded for the work you do, with performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Genuine flexibility, including work‑from‑home arrangements and early Friday finishes.
• Quality criminal law matters, including complex and high‑profile cases.
• Experienced leadership, with mentoring from Accredited Specialists and senior practitioners.
• Autonomy and trust, with the opportunity to manage your own files and contribute to case strategy.
• Career development, including opportunities to further strengthen your advocacy and technical capabilities.
• Supportive team culture, where collaboration, professional respect and shared knowledge are genuinely valued.
• Leadership opportunities, including mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

About the Role

You’ll be joining an established criminal law practice where you can make a genuine contribution through your legal expertise, advocacy and commitment to achieving strong client outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a diverse portfolio of criminal law matters
• Regular court appearances, including pleas, bail applications and hearings
• Preparing for and instructing Counsel in trials
• Providing strategic advice on complex legal issues and risk
• Liaising with Counsel, experts, police and other stakeholders
• Managing matters with a high degree of autonomy
• Mentoring and supporting junior lawyers where appropriate
• Contributing to the ongoing development of the criminal law practice

About You

We’re interested in speaking with experienced Criminal Lawyers who are passionate about their practice and take pride in delivering quality legal outcomes.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Approximately 5–15 years’ post‑admission experience, with a strong criminal law focus
• Admission in Queensland, or eligibility to practise in Queensland
• Demonstrated experience independently managing criminal matters
• Strong courtroom advocacy and regular appearance experience
• Sound knowledge of criminal procedure and evidence
• Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills
• Strong professional judgement and a practical, client‑focused approach
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a collaborative team
• An interest in mentoring or supporting less experienced lawyers

Don't tick every box? We'd still welcome a conversation.

If you have substantial criminal law experience, strong advocacy skills and the motivation to continue developing your career, we'd be interested in learning more about you.

Considering Relocating to the Sunshine Coast? Imagine finishing your working week early on a Friday and having more time to enjoy the beaches, coastal lifestyle and everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

For lawyers considering a move from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra or elsewhere in Australia, this could be the opportunity to combine a rewarding legal career with a different lifestyle.

The Sunshine Coast offers a growing professional community, beautiful coastal surroundings and the chance to enjoy a more relaxed pace outside the office.

You don't need to compromise your professional ambitions to enjoy a better work‑life balance.

Thinking About a Fresh Start in 2027? We understand that the end of the year can be a busy time, and making a career move isn't always something you want to rush.

Perhaps you're planning to take an extended break over Christmas, spend time with family, travel or simply recharge before deciding what comes next.

That's absolutely fine. The firm is open to discussing a 2027 commencement for the right person.

You don't need to be ready to make a move tomorrow. Sometimes the best career decisions begin with a conversation well before you're ready to take the next step.

Let's Have a Confidential Conversation

Whether you're actively exploring opportunities, considering relocating to Queensland or simply curious about what your career could look like in 2027, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

At Optio6 Talent Partners, we believe the right career move is about more than remuneration or a job title. It's about finding the right alignment between your experience, ambitions, values and the lifestyle you want to create.

All enquiries and conversations will be treated with the strictest confidence.