Senior Associate - Financial Services, Superannuation & Investment Funds

Clayton Utz; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Clayton Utz is seeking a Senior Associate to join the Financial Services team in Sydney. You will lead advisory and transactional work across funds, superannuation and regulatory matters for top-tier clients, working closely with Partners on complex structuring, licensing and governance issues.

The role requires 5-8 years PQE in financial services, with a strong drafting ability, autonomy, and a client-focused mindset. Excellent mentorship and BD potential are valued in this premier team.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years post-qualified experience in senior associate level or equivalent.
• Strong background in financial services regulatory, funds/investment products and/or superannuation matters.
• Experience advising on establishment of managed investment schemes and superannuation products.
• Exceptional drafting skills with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead advisory and transactional matters across funds, superannuation and financial services.
• Involve lifecycle work from structuring and establishing investment vehicles to licensing, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Manage and mentor junior team members and contribute to business development initiatives.

Skills

Drafting skills

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Mentoring juniors

Commerciality

Client service

Problem solving

Business development

Professional development

Job description

The Role We have a rare opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our leading Financial Services team in Sydney. Working closely with Partners Matt Daley and Vanessa Pallone, this is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced senior lawyer seeking to join this highly ranked, premier team and play a lead role on advisory and transactional matters across investment funds, superannuation and financial services.

You will play a lead role in advising a diverse client base across the financial services industry — including fund managers, superannuation trustees, wealth managers, platform operators, investment banks and financial advice businesses.

Your work will span the full lifecycle of funds and products — from structuring and establishing collective investment vehicles and alternative product offerings through to licensing, governance, disclosure, distribution and ongoing regulatory compliance matters.

The role encompasses significant transactional mandates, including large-scale domestic and international fund structures across traditional and emerging areas such as sustainable finance, private credit and fintech.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a commercially-mindful lawyer who thrives on high-profile matters for top players within the financial services sector.

Skills & Experience

• 5-8 years’ post qualification experience, with demonstrated time in a Senior Associate (or equivalent) role;
• A solid background in financial services regulatory, funds / investment product and/or superannuation matters; with demonstrated experienced advising on the establishment of managed investment schemes and superannuation products;
• Exceptional drafting skills with high attention to detail;
• Demonstrated capability to work autonomously as well as within a team to manage a diverse workload;
• Experience in supervision and mentoring of junior team members;
• A high degree of commerciality and commitment to client service;
• Strong communication and practical problem solving skills;
• A desire to develop and participate in business development initiatives;
• A proactive attitude towards personal development to expand your skills and knowledge to meet evolving client needs.

The Financial Services Practice Group

Our Financial Services Practice Group is recognised by their ranking in the top tier of service providers in Australia. Providing cutting edge advice to blue chip clients, our team has a reputation for cutting edge financial services regulatory work. Our Partners are regularly acknowledged as leaders in their field by independent legal directories such as IFLR 1000, Australian Financial Review Best Lawyers, Chambers Global and Asia Pacific Legal 500. Matt is recognised as a leading individual in Financial Services Regulation and also an expert in superannuation and investment products. Matt was named Lawyer of the Year in Funds Management (2023) by Best Lawyers Australia and was also voted by peers as one of Australia's Best Lawyers in Funds Management (2014–2023). Vanessa is recognised as an Up and Coming Individual in Financial Services Regulation by Chambers (2025) and Rising Star in Regulatory Compliance and Investigations and Financial Services Regulatory by The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific (2020 – 2025).

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. Do you require any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application? If so, please contact the recruiter via the above telephone number or via email to [e-mail].

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 for the challenge? 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.

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.