Senior Family Lawyer

Tier One Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Tier One Recruitment is assisting a Parramatta-based Family Law practice to appoint a Special Counsel or Principal Family Lawyer. This senior role involves leading complex matters, mentoring junior lawyers and shaping the team’s direction.

The successful candidate will manage parenting, property and financial disputes, appear in Federal Circuit and Family Court proceedings, and provide strategic, high-value advice to clients. A strong leadership and business development mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years PAE preferred, senior level experience in family law.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex family law matters from start to resolution.
• Manage a varied caseload across parenting, property and financial matters.
• Appear in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, mediations and negotiations.
• Provide strategic advice on complex and high-value matters.
• Draft court documents, affidavits, applications, submissions and legal advice.
• Mentor and support junior lawyers within the team.
• Collaborate with leadership on growth initiatives and client development.
• Contribute to ongoing expansion and success of the Family Law practice.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Advocacy

Negotiation

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Job description

Special Counsel / Principal Family Lawyer

Sydney (Parramatta), NSW | Family Law Leadership | Complex Matters | Growth Opportunity

We're working with a growing Family Law practice based in Parramatta that is looking to appoint a Special Counsel or Principal Family Lawyer.

This is a senior position for an experienced Family Lawyer looking to play a key role in the continued growth of the practice. The successful candidate will work closely with leadership, lead complex matters, mentor junior lawyers and help shape the future direction of the team.

The practice advises on a broad range of family law matters including parenting disputes, property settlements, financial agreements, divorce applications, child support matters and domestic violence proceedings. Matters range from negotiated settlements through to complex, high-conflict disputes involving significant asset pools and multiple stakeholders.

The Role

• Lead complex family law matters from commencement through to resolution
• Manage a varied caseload across parenting, property and financial matters
• Appear in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, mediations and negotiations
• Provide strategic advice across complex and high-value matters
• Draft court documents, affidavits, applications, submissions and legal advice
• Mentor and support junior lawyers within the team
• Work directly with leadership on practice growth initiatives and client development
• Contribute to the continued expansion and success of the Family Law practice

What They're Looking For

• 10+ years PAE preferred, although outstanding candidates will be considered
• Strong family law experience across complex parenting and property matters
• Proven ability to manage matters independently
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution skills
• Strong client management and relationship-building capability
• Leadership experience or a genuine interest in mentoring junior lawyers
• Commercial mindset and ability to contribute to the firm's long-term growth
• Existing referral networks or business development capability highly regarded

Why Consider It

• Genuine leadership opportunity within a growing Family Law practice
• Complex and interesting family law matters
• Strong pipeline of private client and referral work
• Collaborative team environment with direct access to decision-makers
• Modern office in Parramatta Square with direct access to Parramatta Station
• Clear growth plans and future progression opportunities