Special Counsel

DWF Law LLP; Sydney; On-site; AUD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Mentoring from partners

Career development programs

ESG & community initiatives

Job summary

DWF Law LLP in Sydney is seeking a Special Counsel with a minimum of 6 years PQE to lead our NSW Casualty team on defending public liability and personal injury matters for insurers and corporate clients. You’ll manage complex matters, mentor junior lawyers, and collaborate across the firm’s Australian and international network to deliver exceptional client service.

The role offers hybrid working arrangements, strong mentoring from partners, comprehensive career development opportunities, and a

Qualifications

• 6+ years PQE in a Special Counsel/Senior Associate role.
• Strong experience in defendant public liability and personal injury claims.
• Excellent client management, communication and litigation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of defendant public liability and personal injury claims.
• Provide strategic advice on policy interpretation and coverage matters.
• Defend public and product liability claims for insurers and corporate clients.
• Conduct matters through all stages of litigation, including negotiation, mediation and court proceedings.
• Develop and implement effective litigation strategies to achieve optimal client outcomes.
• Advise clients across industries including construction, hospitality, retail, education, and property.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurers, brokers and corporate clients.
• Collaborate within a high-performing NSW Casualty team to deliver exceptional client service.

Skills

Defendant public liability

Personal injury

Client management

Litigation skills

Job description

Why join us?

DWF is seeking a Special Counsel (minimum 6 years PQE) to join our NSW Casualty team in Sydney. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex defendant public liability and personal injury matters, advising insurers and corporate clients across a diverse range of industries. You will work closely with experienced practitioners on high-quality litigation, policy interpretation, and coverage matters while building strong client relationships in a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of defendant public liability and personal injury claims.
• Provide strategic advice on policy interpretation and coverage matters.
• Defend public and product liability claims on behalf of insurers and corporate clients.
• Conduct matters through all stages of litigation, including negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings.
• Develop and implement effective litigation strategies to achieve optimal client outcomes.
• Advise clients across a broad range of industries, including construction, hospitality, retail, education, and property.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurers, brokers, and corporate clients.
• Work collaboratively within a high-performing NSW Casualty team to deliver exceptional client service.

What will help you succeed in this role?

• Senior Associate or Special Counsel level with a minimum of 6 years PQE.
• Strong experience in defendant public liability and personal injury claims.
• Strong defendant public liability and personal injury litigation experience.
• Experience acting for insurers and corporate clients in liability claims.
• Excellent client management, communication, and litigation skills.
• Strong litigation and dispute resolution expertise.
• Experience advising insurers and corporate clients.
• Ability to manage complex matters autonomously while mentoring junior team members.

What we offer

• An inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture
• Hybrid working arrangements and genuine flexibility
• Strong mentoring from partners and senior leaders
• Learning and development programs, including online training, mentoring, coaching and career development pathways
• Career opportunities across DWF's international network
• Bonus and reward programs
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to wellbeing resources, mental health support and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)
• Family-friendly benefits and policies designed to support work-life balance
• Opportunities to participate in ESG, pro bono & community and charity initiatives, including the DWF Foundation and responsible business programs
• Active social and sporting committees

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, transparency, and certainty without compromising on quality. We are committed to delivering positive outcomes for our colleagues, clients, and communities while fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.