Special Counsel | Statutory Compensation Management

MinterEllison; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

MinterEllison is seeking a Special Counsel to join the statutory compensation team in Melbourne. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of the Accident Compensation Act, Work Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, and Transport Accident Act 1986, with experience in adjacent practice areas encouraged.

Based in Melbourne, this role offers ownership of matters, client relationships, and a collaborative, high-performing team environment dedicated to delivering top‑tier, pragmatic advice

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ post‑admission experience in statutory compensation law.
• Experience acting for WorkSafe Victoria or TAC is highly desirable.
• Strong client relationship and file management skills.
• Managed day‑to‑day litigation caseload with mentorship support.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and representation across matters before Victorian courts.
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships and deliver pragmatic, government-focused advice.
• Lead and mentor junior lawyers while handling a litigation portfolio.

Skills

Statutory compensation law

Client relationships

Litigation strategy

Team mentorship

Attention to detail

Autonomous work

Job description

Location: Melbourne

Contract Type: Permanent

MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest independent law and consulting firms. With a heritage of almost 200 years, we are known for our excellence, and our authentic and enduring relationships with our clients, our people and our communities. Clients seek out MinterEllison to help them solve complex problems every day. We do this by our full-service legal offering and complementary consulting offering.

We offer opportunities to work on industry-leading mandates for top-tier clients, while being part of a high-performing and collaborative team that values excellence, diversity of thought, curiosity, and inclusion. We value our people and empower them to achieve their ambitions - with the support, trust and autonomy to grow their careers in meaningful ways.

At MinterEllison, we're leading the way with AI and other emerging technologies, powering innovation right across our firm. You will have the opportunity to engage with AI tools we've built, and other external AI tools, to enhance efficiencies and excellence internally and with our clients.

We support sustainable ways of working regarding how, when and where you work and offer a wide range of social, financial and health benefits (see https://www.minterellison.com/-/media/Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-Dec_2025.pdf )

The Role

Our nationally recognised statutory compensation management team demonstrates the depth of our local and national expertise. Based in our Melbourne office, the team acts for WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

We are seeking a Special Counsel to join this high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the Accident Compensation Act, the Work Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act and the Transport Accident Act 1986. Candidates with experience in adjacent practice areas — including insurance, personal injuries litigation and HR/IR — are also encouraged to apply.

This is a fast-paced and dynamic role requiring you to provide strategic advice and representation across matters before the Magistrates' Court of Victoria, the County Court of Victoria and the Supreme Court of Victoria.

This role sits within a supportive, flexible and highly collaborative team. You will be trusted to take ownership of your matters and client relationships, mentor junior lawyers, and deliver top-tier, pragmatic, government-focused advice that reflects a deep understanding of your clients' needs.

More About You

• Have at least 5 years’ post‑admission and technical experience in statutory compensation law (experience acting for WorkSafe and TAC is highly desirable);
• Are passionate, commercially astute and have a genuine interest in building a successful career in statutory compensation law;
• Possess strong client relationship and file management skills, with a commitment to delivering technically excellent advice in a timely manner;
• Demonstrate the maturity and self-motivation to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of a litigation caseload, with mentorship and support available as appropriate;
• Possess a high level of technical excellence and attention to detail;
• Demonstrate a strong client‑service mindset, with demonstrated experience building and maintaining trusted client relationships;
• Able to work autonomously while thriving in a team‑based, collaborative environment; and
• pride in your work, your professional reputation, and the firm you represent.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.