Senior Associate

Dla-Piper; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Academies

International training programs

Award-winning development forums

Job summary

DLA Piper’s Melbourne Litigation and Regulatory practice is expanding, and we are seeking a talented Senior Associate to join our team. You will work on complex class actions, product liability and regulatory matters, alongside leading lawyers in a globally connected firm.

You will gain exposure to high-stakes litigation, mentor junior lawyers, and benefit from international training and award-winning development forums that support your career progression.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years’ PQE gained in private practice.
• Strong experience in litigation, regulatory matters, class actions and/or complex disputes.
• Ability to mentor and supervise junior lawyers.
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management capability.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex insurance litigation.
• Manage product liability disputes.
• Oversee high-profile class actions.
• Lead regulatory investigations across sectors including life sciences, manufacturing, insurance, sport, and food & beverage.

Skills

Litigation experience

Regulatory matters

Class actions

Mentoring junior lawyers

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Autonomy

Job description

DLA Piper’s Litigation and Regulatory practice is expanding, and we are seeking a talented Senior Associate to join our growing Melbourne team. You will become part of one of the largest and most internationally connected Litigation and Regulatory practices in the world, with dedicated lawyers working across major global jurisdictions.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work directly with Kieran O’Brien, our Global Co‑Chair for Class Actions and Mass Torts and a recognised leader in the field.

Kieran O’Brien leads a dynamic, high-profile practice handling some of the most complex class action, product liability and mass tort matters globally. You will gain unparalleled exposure to strategic, large-scale litigation and cutting-edge matters.

Main duties and responsibilities

You’ll work across a diverse range of matters, including:

• Complex insurance litigation
• Product liability disputes
• High-profile class actions
• Regulatory investigationsacross key sectors such as life sciences, manufacturing, insurance, sport, and food & beverage

You will have access to DLA Piper’s Career Academies, international training programs and award‑winning development forums designed to accelerate your career and equip you for future leadership.

We want a Senior Associate who is technically strong, commercially minded and energised by challenging, high-stakes work.

About you

Technical Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years’ PQE gained in private practice
• Strong experience in litigation, regulatory matters, class actions and/or complex disputes
• Confidence running matters with appropriate autonomy
• Ability to mentor and supervise junior lawyers
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management capability

The Person Who Will Thrive in This Role:

• Dynamic, motivated and proactive
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-performing environment
• A genuine team player who contributes respectfully and collaboratively
• Curious, commercially minded and solutions-focused
• Someone who takes ownership and is ready for the next step in their career trajectory

What we offer

• Genuine long-term career prospects within a global top-tier firm
• Direct exposure to major litigation and sophisticated client work
• A collaborative team culture known for its support, energy and excellence
• Professional development opportunities across international markets

If you are a motivated and high-performing Senior Associate or a strong Associate ready to step up this is your opportunity to join a practice that thrives on complexity and delivers exceptional results.

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

Agile Working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.

Staying in touch with like-minded people is important to us.Our Talent Community provides unique access to our firm so you can discover why we are a different kind of law firm.

We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.