Senior Wills & Estates Lawyer - Special Counsel / Partner

ClearCompany; Australia; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique law firm based in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Wills & Estates Lawyer to join their team as a Special Counsel, with partnership opportunities available. The role covers both estate planning and complex litigation, requiring at least 8 years of experience in Wills and Estates Law. Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills and a transferable practice. The firm promotes a friendly, inclusive culture that values autonomy and strategic partnership.

Benefits

Negotiable title, salary, and bonus structure

Friendly, inclusive culture

Opportunity to help grow the firm

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Wills & Estates Law across planning, disputes and litigation.
• Excellent mentoring skills to guide junior lawyers.
• Transferable practice ideally valued at $150k or more.

Responsibilities

• Handle front and back-end work from estate planning to complex litigation.
• Lead the Wills & Estates team into its next growth phase.
• Build relationships while sharing the strategic load of the firm.

Skills

Wills & Estates Law expertise

Interpersonal skills

Mentorship

Job description

Position Overview

Seeking a senior level Wills & Estates Lawyer to join a boutique, specialist law firm based in their South East Melbourne or Melbourne CBD office as a Special Counsel within their team. Partnership is also available for a lawyer with a transferable practice. Lead With Compassion, Grow With Purpose - Shape a high‑performing Wills & Estates team where legal skill meets empathy and vision.

What’s On Offer

• Join at either Special Counsel or Partner level
• Title, salary and bonus structure negotiable depending on experience and potential transferable practice value
• Friendly, inclusive culture with no‑hierarchy or egos
• True autonomy + opportunity to help grow and shape the future of the firm
• Pragmatic and forward thinking leader looking for a genuine partner, not just a title holder

About the Company

Our client is a boutique law firm specialising in Wills and Estates, including estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation. They’ve earned their trusted status through a mix of precision, empathy, and fixed‑fee transparency. They service high‑net‑worth individuals with both simple and highly technical matters — from wills and powers of attorney to super disputes and VCAT applications.

About the Position

This is a rare leadership opportunity for an experienced succession lawyer who wants more than just a title. As Special Counsel or Partner you’ll handle both front and back end work from estate planning to complex litigation, while also helping lead the team into its next growth phase. The Managing Principal is looking for a true partner — someone who can build relationships, lead with warmth, and share the strategic load of a growing firm.

Key Requirements

• 8+ years’ PAE in Wills & Estates Law, with broad experience from estate planning to disputes and litigation work
• Wills & Estates specialist accreditation highly beneficial but not essential
• Must have a transferable practice (ideally $150k+) to be considered at partner level
• Natural mentor with excellent interpersonal skills

Let’s Talk About Your Next Chapter

Apply now or email your resume to Janine Cloete (Legal Division) at [e-mail] to hear more about the opportunity. You can also contact Janine on [phone].

Connect with Janine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janinecloete1990