Special Counsel - Professional Indemnity

Gilchrist Connell; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilchrist Connell seeks an established Professional Indemnity Special Counsel to lead complex defence and coverage matters in Brisbane. You will mentor junior lawyers, deepen insurer relationships and contribute to growth of a nationally recognised practice.

The role offers a clear pathway to Principal, with flexible work arrangements and a collaborative culture that values high performance and client outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong professional indemnity experience across defence and/or coverage matters.
• Commercial acumen and client focus.
• Ambition to contribute to the growth of a leading national practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex professional indemnity matters across defence and coverage.
• Mentor junior lawyers and develop client relationships.
• Contribute to business development and practice growth initiatives.

Job description

Introduction:
We’re looking for an established Professional Indemnity lawyer ready to play a bigger role in shaping clients, people and the future direction of a growing practice.
Gilchrist Connell is a leading Australian insurance law firm with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
As our Professional Indemnity practice continues to grow, we're looking for a Special Counsel to join our Brisbane team. This is an opportunity to work on complex and high-profile matters, mentor talented lawyers, deepen client relationships and play a meaningful role in the continued growth of a nationally recognised practice.
Why Gilchrist Connell?
We've built a reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients while creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
For six consecutive years we've been recognised as an Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice. We're also a certified Great Place to Work, a Family Friendly Workplace, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, and were recognised in the 2027 Best Law Firms list by Best Lawyers.
Our people are trusted, supported and given the opportunity to build rewarding careers while maintaining the flexibility to enjoy life outside of work.
Description
The Opportunity
Working closely with experienced leaders in the market, you'll:

• Lead complex professional indemnity matters across defence and coverage
• Develop and strengthen key insurer and client relationships
• Mentor and coach junior lawyers
• Contribute to business development and practice growth initiatives
• Help shape the future of a growing Brisbane practice

Importantly, this role offers a clear and objective pathway to Principal, with progression measured against transparent criteria including legal excellence, client relationship development, leadership, contribution to practice growth and commitment to developing our people.
Skills and Experiences
About You
You'll bring strong professional indemnity experience across defence and/or coverage matters, together with the technical expertise, commercial judgement and client focus expected of a senior practitioner.
You'll also have:

• The ability to manage complex matters with confidence and autonomy
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, insurers and key stakeholders
• A collaborative leadership style and genuine interest in mentoring junior lawyers
• Commercial acumen and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving
• The ambition to contribute to the growth and success of a leading national practice

What We Offer

• A genuinely flexible approach to work built on trust, not face time
• A clear and transparent pathway to Principal
• Ongoing investment in your professional development and leadership capability
• The opportunity to mentor and develop talented lawyers
• Access to a standalone pro bono practice and meaningful community initiatives
• Market-leading parental leave and family-friendly benefits
• An award-winning culture built on collaboration, ambition and having fun along the way

If you're looking for a role that combines quality work and genuine leadership opportunities within a growing national firm, we'd love to hear from you.
Candidates can request reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process. If you need any specific adjustment, please contact our People team so we can work together to support you.
We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to First Nations, LGBTIQA+, persons with disabilities, as well as individuals of all ages, and cultures. We're a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace and celebrate the diversity of our people
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career and want to work for a firm that values high performance, innovation, growth, whilst having fun along the way, we would love to hear from you!
A quick note to agencies - we do not need support with this role at present. Thank you.