Lawyer / Senior Associate - Banking & Finance

Clayton Utz; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Hands-on mentorship

Cutting-edge tech investments

Wellbeing-first culture

Job summary

Clayton Utz in Sydney is seeking a mid-level or senior lawyer to join our Banking & Finance team. You will work closely with partner Kathy Santikos on high-impact financing transactions, including social impact loans and real estate finance, across domestic and international clients.

The role offers exposure to lender and borrower work, collaboration across Corporate, Real Estate, Tax and Environment, and a supportive, flexible hybrid working culture with hands-on mentorship.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' post-admission experience in banking and finance from a reputable commercial firm.
• Sharp technical skills and careful attention to detail.
• A collaborative mindset and curiosity to keep learning and growing.
• A proactive approach — you take ownership of your work and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with partner Kathy Santikos on high-impact financing transactions.
• Gain access to lender and borrower work across domestic and international clients.
• Collaborate across Corporate, Real Estate, Tax and Environment and Sustainable Development.
• Provide high-quality legal analysis and contribute to deal structuring.

Skills

Banking & Finance

Attention to detail

Collaborative mindset

Ownership / proactivity

Job description

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a mid-level or senior lawyer to join our leading Banking & Finance team in Sydney. You’ll work closely with partner Kathy Santikos on high-impact financing transactions — from social impact loans, lending for social and affordable housing/build-to-rent, corporate and real estate finance to Defence-related work and complex structured deals. You’ll gain direct access to both lender and borrower work across a diverse domestic and international client base — from major financial institutions and credit funds to listed corporates, developers, government agencies and sovereign wealth funds. You’ll also collaborate across practice areas including Corporate, Real Estate, Tax and Environment and Sustainable Development, giving you a broad skill set early in your career.

About You

• 3+ years' post-admission experience in banking and finance from a reputable commercial firm.
• Sharp technical skills and careful attention to detail.
• A collaborative mindset and curiosity to keep learning and growing.
• A proactive approach — you take ownership of your work and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Why Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz gives you the opportunity to work on landmark transactions for leading domestic and global clients, alongside partners recognised as market leaders by Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and AFR Best Lawyers.

Here’s what sets us apart

• Genuine flexibility — hybrid working arrangements that fit your life.
• Hands-on mentorship — real guidance from partners invested in your development, not just your output.
• Cutting-edge tech — we invest in the tools that let you do smarter, more impactful work.
• Wellbeing-first culture — market-leading benefits that genuinely support your health, wellbeing and career longevity.

Clayton Utz is an inclusive employer that supports flexible work arrangements, please feel free to discuss your flexibility needs with the recruiter for this role.

Do you require any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application?

We are committed to an inclusive culture in which all of our people are recognised for their unique contributions and are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.

As Australia’s leading independent law firm, our culture has been built by innovative thinkers. They are the driving force behind our firm and if you choose to be part of the team your expectations will be challenged every step of the way. As part of this innovative team you will be working across major national, government, and global clients. All the while collaborating with some of the sharpest legal minds in the industry.

Clayton Utz has also been a powerful force in Australian pro bono practice, striving to deliver justice for those who need it and not just those who can afford it. In your time here you’ll be constantly surprised by the projects you get to work on and what you can accomplish.

We’re looking for individuals who will thrive under our spirit of independence. Built around independent thinkers we believe surrounding ourselves with dynamic, ambitious and collaborative individuals is key to creating an environment of success.

In return we're committed to fostering a career path that’s unique to each individual. Imagine what you could achieve at a top law firm that actually values independent thinking. Are you up to the challenge?

Pro bono is a fundamental part of Clayton Utz.

The traditional legal career path is evolving. By consulting with us you can expand your experience, develop your skill set and work on a variety of assignments with top‑tier organisations in a range of sectors.