Senior Associate - Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety

Clayton Utz; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship programs

Career progression opportunities

Pro bono culture

Job summary

Clayton Utz is seeking a Senior Associate to join the Sydney Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety (WRES) team on a permanent, full-time basis. The role focuses on employment law, industrial relations, WHS, investigations and litigation, across private and public sector clients.

The successful candidate will bring 5+ years PQE, strong supervisory experience and a proactive client‑facing approach. Mentorship, structured progression, and collaboration with top-tier lawyers are provided.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years PQE with a Senior Associate or equivalent role.
• Strong experience across employment law and industrial relations in a reputable firm.
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team to manage a diverse workload.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior team members.
• A proactive, client‑service oriented approach with initiative.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all aspects of employment, IR, WHS, investigations and litigation.
• Lead and contribute to complex matters for private and public sector clients.
• Mentor junior lawyers and support professional development.
• Develop and participate in business development activities.

Skills

Senior Associate

Employment law

Industrial relations

Autonomy

Mentoring

Business development

Client service

Communication

Job description

The Role

Working with Partners Saul Harben and Cynthia Elachi, we currently have an exciting opportunity for a talented Senior Associate to join our Sydney Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety (WRES) team on a permanent, full time basis. The WRES team successfully represents a strong client base across both private and public sectors, acting in high profile matters on all aspects of workplace relations. As a senior member of the team, you will play a key role advising on all aspects of matters spanning industrial relations, employment, discrimination, WHS, investigations and litigation across various Courts and Tribunals. This is an exciting time of growth for the team, with opportunities for structured career progression. You will benefit from playing a lead role in challenging and rewarding work that keeps your skills sharp. You will be empowered and supported to build your own brand and practice through dedicated mentorship, leadership development programs and career opportunities.

Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• At least 5 years PQE with demonstrated experience in a Senior Associate or equivalent role;
• Strong experience working across a range of employment law and industrial relations matters, gained within a reputable commercial law firm;
• 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 initiative, dedication and commitment to client service;
• Strong communication and practical problem solving skills;
• A desire to develop and participate in business development initiatives, including seminars and publishing articles;
• A proactive attitude towards personal development to expand your skills and knowledge to meet evolving client needs.

The WRES Team

Our WRES team boasts some of Australia's leading workplace lawyers and are the go-to team for large organisations with challenging workplace needs. Our group works with clients across the full spectrum of the employment relationship; from engagement through to performance and conduct management, and termination. Our work spans all facets of employment law, industrial relations, discrimination, work health and safety, executive remuneration and diversity. Our clients include many international and ASX 200 listed companies, governments and private sector organisations. For further information, please visit our Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety showcase page on LinkedIn.

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.