Public Law - Senior Associate / Special Counsel

Mills Oakley; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Dress for your day

Discounted health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts to gyms and studios across A

Competitive referral bonus

Other amazing perks!

Job summary

Mills Oakley is seeking a Senior Associate or Special Counsel to join our Public Law team in Sydney, working alongside Kym Fraser. The role targets an experienced litigator with a track record across public sector matters.

You will manage federal and state litigation, provide strategic advisory support, lead mediations/arbitrations, and mentor junior lawyers while contributing to business development and thought leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' PQE in public law litigation, dispute resolution, and strategic legal advisory work.
• Experience conducting matters in Federal and State courts.
• Strong stakeholder management and advisory skills with the ability to provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice.
• Exceptional analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct litigation in Federal and State jurisdictions
• Advise clients on judicial review, administrative law, and general commercial disputes
• Represent clients in mediations, arbitrations, and other alternative dispute resolution processes
• Develop litigation strategies, prepare complex legal submissions, and brief and work closely with counsel and expert witnesses
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by delivering pragmatic, commercial focused, and solutions-oriented advice
• Mentor and support junior lawyers, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture
• Contribute to business development initiatives, thought leadership, and the continued growth of the practice

Skills

Public law litigation

Dispute resolution

Strategic legal advisory

Stakeholder management

Analytical reasoning

Drafting skills

Job description

Due to the growth of our Public Law team, we’re now seeking a Senior Associate / Special Counsel to predominantly work alongside Kym Fraser in Sydney.

About Us

Mills Oakley is a leading national law firm with a proud history spanning over 160 years. In that time, we’ve grown into a Top 5 Australian law firm by size while remaining true to our shared vision of exceptional client service with a friendly and collaborative ethos. Mutual trust and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

The Role

Due to the growth of our Public Law team, we’re now seeking a Senior Associate or Special Counsel to predominantly work alongside Kym Fraser in our Sydney office. This role is suited to an experienced litigation and disputes practitioner with a strong track record advising on complex, high-profile matters across the public sector.

You will:

• Manage and conduct litigation in Federal and State jurisdictions
• Advise clients on judicial review, administrative law, and general commercial disputes
• Represent clients in mediations, arbitrations, and other alternative dispute resolution processes
• Develop litigation strategies, prepare complex legal submissions, and brief and work closely with counsel and expert witnesses
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by delivering pragmatic, commercial focused, and solutions-oriented advice
• Mentor and support junior lawyers, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture
• Contribute to business development initiatives, thought leadership, and the continued growth of the practice

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:

• A minimum of 8 years’ PQE in public law litigation, dispute resolution, and strategic legal advisory work
• Experience conducting matters in Federal and State courts
• Strong stakeholder management and advisory skills, with the ability to provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice
• Exceptional analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment

What We Offer

We take a collaborative approach to your learning & development, giving you the personal attention and unique opportunities required to help you realise your full potential. We are committed to your health and well-being and offer a multitude of employee benefits including:

• Flexible working;
• Dress for your day;
• Discounted health insurance;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Discounts to gyms and studios across Australia;
• Competitive referral bonus; and
• Other amazing perks!