Associate - Corporate (Canberra)

About the role

Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS), a leading Australian law firm advising corporates and funds on complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters, is looking for an Associate (2-4 PQE) to join its Canberra Corporate team. You will work alongside leading partners on high-profile, complex corporate and commercial matters, with hands-on involvement from the outset.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate key transaction documents.
• Undertake due diligence and coordinate specialist teams across complex matters.
• Work through challenging legal and commercial issues.
• Play an active role in delivering practical, strategic advice to clients.
• Take greater ownership of matters and support and mentor junior team members as you develop.

Required profile

• Commercial, client-focused mindset and confidence handling complex matters, competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Clear communication and strong relationship-building with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Relevant private practice commercial law experience.
• Recent experience acting for the Commonwealth on complex procurements (e.g., Department of Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group) or engaging with Commonwealth Government agencies acting as regulators is highly regarded.

What we offer

• A collegiate, collaborative environment across offices and practice groups.
• High-quality work with committed mentors supporting career development.
• Competitive remuneration, flexible working and extensive social and wellbeing initiatives.
• Opportunities to work with major foreign law firms on international and cross-border matters.
• Structured learning and development programs, pro bono work and employee recognition initiatives.