Special Counsel – Commercial & Civil Litigation

seek.com.au; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

seek.com.au is seeking an experienced Special Counsel or Principal to lead and develop its Commercial & Civil Litigation practice in Sydney. You will have genuine autonomy over complex matters and work closely with senior leadership to shape the practice's direction and success.

The role requires 8+ years' post-admission experience in commercial and civil litigation, including substantial Supreme Court proceedings, with strong drafting, advocacy and client-focused judgment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years post-admission experience in commercial and civil litigation.
• Strong drafting, advocacy and litigation strategy skills.
• Experience independently managing Supreme Court proceedings.
• Excellent knowledge of civil procedure and relevant Act(s).

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a diverse range of commercial and civil litigation matters, from strategy through to resolution.
• Develop litigation strategies and provide commercial advice to clients.
• Prepare and oversee pleadings, affidavits, submissions and complex evidence.
• Manage interlocutory applications, discovery, subpoenas and trial preparation.
• Engage expert witnesses, prepare briefs and instruct barristers.
• Lead and mentor solicitors and support staff to drive practice growth.
• Oversee operational performance and contribute to strategic growth of the practice.

Skills

Commercial litigation

Civil litigation

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Job description

Special Counsel - Commercial & Civil Litigation

Take the lead in Commercial & Civil Litigation

Your experience. Your expertise. The opportunity to make a real impact.

An established, award-winning law firm is seeking an accomplished Special Counsel or Principal to lead and develop its Commercial & Civil Litigation practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced litigator looking for more than just another senior legal role.

You'll have genuine autonomy over complex matters, work closely with senior leadership and play an influential role in the direction, development and continued success of the practice.

Why you'll love working here

Genuine autonomy - Take ownership of complex litigation matters and make meaningful decisions without unnecessary hierarchy.

Leadership and influence - Lead, mentor and develop a team while helping shape the future of the litigation practice.

Direct access to leadership - Work closely with experienced senior practitioners in a collaborative, down-to-earth environment.

Interesting, challenging work - Manage sophisticated commercial and civil disputes requiring strategic thinking and sound commercial judgment.

Opportunity to make your mark - Take an active role in developing the practice, improving processes and driving its continued success.

Modern offices - Work from well-appointed offices in Sydney or Parramatta.

The work

You'll take the lead on a diverse range of commercial and civil litigation matters, with responsibility for managing proceedings from initial strategy through to resolution.

Your work will include:

Managing complex commercial and civil litigation, particularly proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW.

Developing litigation strategies, providing commercial advice and guiding clients through challenging disputes.

Preparing and overseeing pleadings, affidavits, submissions and complex evidence.

Managing interlocutory applications, discovery, subpoenas and trial preparation.

Engaging expert witnesses, preparing briefs and instructing barristers.

Leading and mentoring solicitors and support staff.

Overseeing the practice's operational performance and contributing to its strategic growth.

You'll have the freedom to run your matters independently, backed by an experienced and supportive wider team.

About you

We're looking for an experienced litigator who combines strong technical ability with commercial awareness, leadership skills and a practical approach to resolving disputes.

8 + years' post-admission experience, with a strong background in Commercial and Civil Litigation.

Substantial experience independently managing Supreme Court proceedings.

Excellent drafting, advocacy, negotiation and litigation strategy skills.

Strong knowledge of civil procedure and the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), including preparing evidence in admissible form.

Experience engaging expert witnesses and briefing and instructing barristers.

Confidence managing complex matters from commencement through to hearing, judgment or resolution.

The ability to lead, mentor and support a team.

Sound commercial judgment and a client-focused approach.

Highly regarded:

Experience in building and construction disputes, including matters before the Supreme Court, District Court or NCAT.

Above all, we're looking for someone who is experienced in commercial litigation takes pride in their work, enjoys a challenge and is excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing practice.

About the firm

An established, award-winning, full-service law firm with a strong reputation across a broad range of practice areas.

The firm combines high-quality legal work with a collaborative, approachable and supportive working environment.

With an ambitious outlook and a commitment to continued growth, the firm values experience, encourages fresh ideas and offers senior practitioners the opportunity to have a genuine voice in the future of the business.

This is an environment where your expertise will be recognised, your input will be valued, and you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Applications from experienced interstate practitioners open to relocating are also welcome.

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