Senior Commercial Litigation Lawyer (5–6+ Pae)

Rankin Business Lawyers; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rankin Business Lawyers is seeking a Senior Commercial Litigation Lawyer (5-6+ PAE) to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of commercial disputes and general commercial matters. This client-facing role offers high autonomy and the opportunity to shape strategy from start to finish.

You will advise on risk, engage with senior decision-makers, and run matters with independence while benefiting from a collaborative, flexible boutique environment that values practical, commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial disputes and litigation strategy.
• Ability to own matters from initial advice to resolution.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial litigation from commencement to resolution.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies for a range of disputes.
• Draft pleadings and court documents; prepare matters for mediation.
• Build trusted client relationships with business owners.

Job description

Senior Commercial Litigation Lawyer (5-6+ PAE)

Commercial Litigation & General Commercial

Bring your litigation expertise to a modern boutique law firm where autonomy, trust and commercial clarity matter.

If you're an experienced commercial litigation lawyer looking to step into a flat, collaborative environment with meaningful client exposure and the opportunity to run matters strategically from start to finish this could be the role for you.

This position suits a commercially minded litigator who enjoys owning disputes, advising clients on risk and strategy, and delivering clear outcomes, without the rigid hierarchy or bureaucracy of traditional law firms.

About Rankin Business Lawyers

At Rankin Business Lawyers, we believe great legal work starts with a great working environment. We've intentionally built a firm that moves away from rigid hierarchies and outdated law-firm models, replacing them with trust, flexibility and genuine collaboration.

We work as strategic partners to our clients and we treat our team the same way. You'll have autonomy over your matters, direct access to clients, and the support to deliver clear, commercially grounded advice during complex disputes.

As a B-Corp certified firm, we're committed to doing business responsibly balancing profit with purpose, people and long-term sustainability. That commitment shows up in how we support flexible working, invest in our people, and build relationships based on integrity and trust.

You'll join a team that values:

• Clear, commercial thinking over complexity
• Ownership, accountability and follow-through
• Collaboration and knowledge-sharing
• Continuous improvement and innovation
• Respect for life outside of work

We offer meaningful work, high-quality clients, flexibility in how and where you work, and the opportunity to contribute to a firm that is building something intentional.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Commercial Litigation Lawyer (5 - 6+ PAE) to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of commercial disputes and general commercial matters.

This is a client-facing, high-autonomy role where you'll manage matters strategically from initial advice through to resolution. You'll work collaboratively with our team while having the independence to make decisions, shape strategy, and deliver outcomes.

with strong experience in commercial disputes, litigation strategy and with broad general commercial to join our growing practice.

This is a client-facing role with responsibility across a diverse mix of commercial disputes. You will take ownership of matters from initial advice and strategy through to resolution, working collaboratively with the broader team.

Your work will span:

• Commercial litigation and dispute resolution across contract disputes, shareholder matters, business disputes, and more
• Commercial transactions: Structuring, drafting, and negotiating agreements and contracts
• Strategic advisory work where disputes intersect with broader business matters
• Business development: Contributing to relationship-building and firm growth (prior BD experience not required - willingness to engage is what matters)

This role suits a commercially minded litigator who enjoys the strategic challenge of disputes, values direct client relationships, and wants to contribute to building something intentional.

What you'll do:

• Manage commercial litigation matters from commencement through to resolution
• Develop and execute effective litigation strategies across a range of disputes
• Draft pleadings, court documents and written submissions
• Prepare matters for mediation, negotiation and court proceedings, including working with counsel where required

Client & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, trusted client relationships
• Work directly with business owners and senior decision-makers
• Guide clients through complex disputes with clarity and confidence
• Contribute to the firm’s reputation for practical, results