Special Counsel - Commercial Lawyer

About the role

A market-leading commercial law firm, recognised in Doyle's Guide and regularly shortlisted for major legal awards, is recruiting an experienced Special Counsel in Commercial Law. The role suits a senior operator who enjoys working hands-on with files while also leading people, with autonomy and support from Partners. It includes travel across multiple cities and a genuine pathway to Partner.

Key responsibilities

• Advise established private enterprises, high-growth businesses and sophisticated stakeholders on a broad mix of commercial matters
• Draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts
• Provide general commercial advisory for in-house style client needs
• Support M&A transactions and deal structuring, including asset and share sales, due diligence and completion
• Handle shareholder arrangements, joint ventures, governance and board advisory
• Cover leasing and property-related commercial matters as relevant to client needs
• Provide risk management, privacy and compliance support and operational legal advice
• Support dispute strategy alongside litigation teams where required
• Mentor developing lawyers and help build the practice

Required profile

• 8-10+ years of private practice experience in Commercial Law
• 3-5 years of leadership experience mentoring and supervising others
• Previous management experience
• Interest in business development and contributing to a growing practice
• Australian legal practising eligibility (or ability to obtain it)

Required skills

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills across complex commercial agreements
• Confident client-facing style with a commercial, solutions-driven approach
• Ability to run matters end-to-end and manage competing priorities

What we offer

• Salary of $180,000 to $230,000 plus bonus depending on experience
• Genuine pathway to Partner with transparent expectations and support
• Development support toward becoming an Accredited Specialist
• Premium, modern offices and advanced AI tools for legal work
• Travel across multiple cities and sustainable billables of 5.5-6.5 hours per day

Interested candidates can apply through the recruiter's contact form or reach out directly for a confidential discussion.