Senior Associate - Criminal Lawyer

Gorilla Jobs; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Gorilla Jobs in Brisbane CBD is seeking a senior criminal lawyer to lead a high-profile practice within a national firm. You will manage complex criminal matters, mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to strategic growth while maintaining a demanding caseload.

The role offers a clear leadership path, attractive remuneration between $160,000 and $200,000, and the opportunity to shape practice standards across Queensland. Flexible working arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' post-admission experience in Criminal Law.
• Experience managing complex matters and appearing regularly in court.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and organisation.
• Commitment to client service and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Manage a broad range of criminal matters from start to finish.
• Appear as advocate in Queensland courts.
• Prepare submissions, pleadings and court materials.
• Provide strategic legal advice tailored to clients.
• Mentor junior solicitors and develop precedents and best practices.
• Support business development and growth of the practice.
• Collaborate with senior management on strategic planning.

Skills

Criminal law

Court appearances

Legal drafting

Leadership

Client advisory

Job description

Senior Criminal Lawyer | Brisbane CBD

Salary Package:

Salary is between $160,000 to $200,000 for the right candidate (PAE, Experience, management experience, billings).

An established national law firm is seeking a highly experienced Criminal Lawyer to join its Brisbane office in a senior leadership capacity. With a strong reputation for delivering outstanding legal services across Australia, the firm continues to invest in the growth of its Queensland criminal law practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished criminal lawyer who is ready to take the next step in their career by combining high-level legal practice with leadership responsibilities. Working alongside experienced practitioners across the national team, you will play a key role in shaping and expanding the Brisbane practice while managing a challenging and rewarding caseload.

There is genuine long-term potential to progress into a senior leadership position within the firm's criminal law division.

The Role

As a senior member of the Criminal Law team, you will manage a broad range of criminal matters while contributing to the strategic growth of the practice. You will also provide guidance to junior lawyers, assist with developing internal processes, and work closely with senior management on business and operational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct complex criminal law matters from commencement through to final resolution.


• Appear as advocate in courts across Queensland on behalf of clients.


• Prepare high-quality legal documents, including submissions, pleadings and other court materials.


• Deliver practical, strategic legal advice tailored to clients' individual circumstances.


• Maintain strong professional relationships with clients, counsel, courts and other stakeholders.


• Support the continued expansion of the criminal law practice through business development initiatives.


• Mentor and supervise junior solicitors, encouraging professional growth and development.


• Assist with developing and maintaining precedents, policies and best practice procedures.


• Contribute to strategic planning and leadership discussions with senior management.


• Monitor team performance and assist in achieving financial and operational objectives.

About You

To be successful in this position, you will possess:

• A minimum of five years' post-admission experience practicing predominantly in Criminal Law.


• Extensive experience managing complex criminal matters and appearing regularly in court.


• Strong advocacy, negotiation and legal drafting skills.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.


• Proven organisational skills with the ability to manage a demanding and varied workload.


• A genuine commitment to providing outstanding client service.


• Previous experience mentoring or supervising junior lawyers, with an interest in developing leadership skills.


• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a high-performing national team.


• Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law will be highly regarded but is not essential.

What's on Offer

• Attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience.


• A genuine leadership opportunity within a well-established national practice.


• Exposure to complex, interesting and high-profile criminal law matters.


• Clear pathways for career progression and ongoing professional development.


• Flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance.


• Comprehensive administrative support, including dedicated paralegals, accounts, HR, marketing and IT teams.


• Assistance and encouragement for lawyers seeking Specialist Accreditation.


• A collaborative and supportive culture where your expertise and leadership will be valued.

If you’re a seasoned Lawyer ready to step into a leadership role as a Senior Associate, we’d love to hear from you.

Additional information

• Salary of $160,000 to $200,000 (DOE)


• Well-Established Law Firm


• Genuine career progression opportunities