Senior Associate, Procurement And Contracting

Jlegal; Central Coast; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jlegal is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join a leading public law practice advising on government procurement, probity and governance matters.

Based in Canberra, with flexibility for the right candidate in Melbourne, this role involves working with senior government stakeholders on high-profile procurement programs and governance initiatives, while mentoring junior lawyers and developing client relationships.

Qualifications

• Approximately five or more years' post-admission experience in public law.
• Experience advising on public law, procurement or government contracting.
• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client relationships.
• Autonomy and mentoring junior lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Commonwealth procurement and governance issues.
• Provide probity and governance advice on major projects.
• Interpret legislation and draft high-quality legal advice.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers.
• Manage matters from instruction to completion with client service.
• Build relationships with senior government stakeholders.

Job description

Job Description

An outstanding opportunity has become available for an experienced Senior Associate to join a highly regarded public law practice advising on some of Australia's most significant government procurement, probity and governance matters.

Based in Canberra, with flexibility for the right candidate in Melbourne, this role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior government stakeholders on high-profile procurement programs, grant initiatives and broader public sector governance issues. It is an ideal opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys providing strategic, practical advice while building long-term client relationships and mentoring junior lawyers.

The Role

You will work across a diverse portfolio of advisory matters involving Commonwealth agencies and public sector organisations, providing commercially focused advice on complex procurement and governance issues.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on Commonwealth procurement and grants processes


• Providing strategic probity advice across major government projects


• Assisting clients with governance, integrity and decision-making frameworks


• Interpreting legislation and preparing high-quality legal advice


• Supporting agencies through complex procurement and contracting processes


• Building trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders


• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers within the team


• Managing matters from instruction through to completion while maintaining exceptional client service

About You

You are an experienced public law practitioner with approximately five or more years' post‑admission experience and a genuine interest in advising government clients on complex and strategically important matters.

You will also bring:

• Experience advising on public law, commercial law, administrative law, government contracting or procurement matters


• Strong drafting, statutory interpretation and analytical skills


• The ability to provide practical, solutions-focused legal advice


• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills


• Experience managing client relationships and running matters with a high degree of autonomy


• A collaborative approach and an interest in mentoring more junior members of the team

Experience advising Commonwealth agencies or other government bodies will be highly regarded but is not essential.

The Firm

This opportunity sits within a respected national commercial law firm recognised for its strength in public sector advisory work and longstanding relationships with government clients across Australia.

The team advises on complex, high‑value projects that shape public policy, procurement and governance outcomes. Lawyers are encouraged to work closely with clients, develop specialist expertise and progress their careers within a collaborative environment that values technical excellence, teamwork and professional development.