Special Counsel

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

We are seeking an experienced Special Counsel to join our high‑performing national corporate team and emerging venture technology practice. This role is suited to a senior lawyer with deep expertise advising emerging growth companies, venture capital funds and strategic investors across complex domestic and cross‑border transactions.

The successful candidate will play a key role in leading transactions, mentoring junior lawyers, contributing to business development, and supporting the continued growth of our Corporate practice.

Our preference is for a Sydney based presence, however this is not a mandatory requirement.

About you

We would like to hear from senior lawyers who have a strong background in leading complex financings and M&A transactions and who possess strong market knowledge across Technology, AI, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Digital Innovation sectors. You will have previously advised and acted for a wide range of clients (companies and investors) in these sectors on formation, governance and ongoing corporate matters relating to venture capital and growth equity financings and have supported cross‑border transactions and investment activities.

You will have excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills, be commercially minded and a have proven track record of supervising and training junior lawyers and client relationship development. You thrive in fast paced environments and maintain sound judgement under pressure with high integrity and discretion. You communicate clearly with confidence at all levels.

You will possess a Juris Doctor (or equivalent) degree from a recognised university or law school you will be admitted to practice law in a common law jurisdiction (such as US, UK or Australia). If you are a foreign qualified lawyer you will be required to complete the necessary qualifications to be admitted to practice law in Australia.

Why Dentons 

 We are committed to supporting your future ambitions, offering:

• Competitive salary plus incentives.
• Salary protection insurance for permanent staff or contracts of 6 months or longer.
• Salary packaging and novated leasing.
• 5 bonus leave days after year one, plus flexible additional leave options.
• Equal family leave for all families, including kinship groups.
• Floating public holidays for cultural days of significance.
• Exclusive retail discounts.
• Collaborative offices on Gadigal, Naarm, Yuggera, Kaurna and Whadjuk land.
• Learning, mentoring and wellbeing programs.
• Agile and flexible work arrangements.
• Vibrant social and diversity networks.

Dentons has no single headquarters and no dominant culture. Our strength comes from diverse perspectives and a shared purpose to build an environment where everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

Submit your CV, cover letter and any supporting documents via our online portal. For enquiries only, contact Kirstin Usher at recruitment.au@dentons.com. Applications by email will not be accepted. Agency submissions are only accepted when initiated by the Recruitment Team. Unsolicited introductions will not be considered.