Senior Associate / Special Counsel - Disputes | Advocacy

About Dentons

Dentons is the world’s largest law firm. We’re 20,000+ people globally across 80+ countries including USA; Europe; India and Asia. We are a global polycentric firm which is expanding rapidly in an increasingly globalised legal industry.

Dentons now consistently ranks as one of the five best regarded legal brands in the world according to the Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join a specialist disputes team working at the forefront of one of the most rapidly evolving areas of workplace law in Australia.

Acting for one of our largest clients, you will help defend claims before the courts and tribunals. This is a highly litigation-focused role, involving a substantial and growing portfolio of contentious matters from commencement through to resolution.

With approximately 1-2 hearings currently taking place each week, this role offers genuine, hands-on advocacy experience and regular appearances before the courts and tribunals. You will work directly with sophisticated clients on complex and strategically important matters, while collaborating closely with a high-performing team of lawyers and paralegals.

You will also have direct access to highly regarded, supportive partners who are genuinely invested in your development. The role offers scope to take ownership of matters, contribute to strategy, mentor junior lawyers and build expertise in a unique and emerging area of law.

What you'll bring

• 5+ years' PQE, ideally gained within a leading national, international or specialist employment practice;
• Strong litigation experience, including running matters in the courts or tribunals;
• Demonstrated advocacy experience and confidence appearing in hearings, conferences and interlocutory proceedings;
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy and varied disputes practice;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical and commercial advice;
• Experience mentoring and developing junior lawyers;
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation environment; and
• A genuine interest in developing expertise in a unique and emerging area of law.
• Advocacy experience before the Fair Work Commission will also be highly regarded.

If you are looking for more time on your feet, and ownership of significant disputes, we would love to hear from you.

Why Dentons

Dentons Australia offers a wide range of incentives aimed at embracing your authenticity, providing purpose, and strengthening your ongoing development.

We offer:

• Equitable salary packaging, incentive pay and rewards
• Salary continuous insurance (for permanent employees or employees on a 6 month or more maximum term contract basis)
• Salary sacrificing and novated leases
• 5 days Bonus Leave per year after 12 months of service
• Additional leave options
• Equal family leave for all genders (including kinship groups)
• Floating public holidays for days of cultural significance
• Exclusive retailer discounts
• Offices designed for collaboration on Gadigal, Naarm, Yuggera, Kaurna and Whadjuk land
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Generous health and wellbeing programs
• Agile and flexible working for all
• Social and diversity networks providing year-round events
• Opportunities to undertake pro-bono legal work

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

Embedded in our people is a passion to help others through the delivery of justice. It is through this that our commitment to inclusion, equity, and reconciliation has evolved. We are proud to say that by design, we have no single headquarters or dominant national culture, this means the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of our people come together globally under one purpose to create an inclusive and accessible environment where anyone can thrive.

Please apply online with your CV, Cover Letter, and academic transcripts. If you have questions beforehand, please email our recruitment team at recruitment.au@dentons.com. Enquiries only please, applications will not be accepted by email.

Agency Submissions

Dentons does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute an introduction to the firm and Dentons will not be liable for a fee.