Immediate Start

Location: Essendon North (MACLEGAL) (with occasional travel to other offices as required)

About the Role

We are seeking a capable and motivated Lawyer (2 years PAE) to join our Essendon office. This role is suited to a technically strong and commercially minded practitioner who is confident managing files end-to-end, while also working closely with senior lawyers and partners on more complex matters.

Based primarily in Essendon, you will play a key role in a close-knit, supportive team, while also collaborating with colleagues across our broader practice as needed. The role will involve occasional travel between offices to support workflow, client needs, and team integration.

You will work across a diverse mix of legal matters, including commercial and corporate, property, dispute resolution and litigation, estates, employment, leasing, and general advisory matters, with a strong emphasis on ownership, accountability, and delivering high-quality outcomes for clients. This is an ideal opportunity for a lawyer seeking to develop as a well-rounded, generalist practitioner, with ambitions to further develop their skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Manage a varied caseload across a range of practice areas with appropriate supervision

• Run files end-to-end, including strategy, drafting, client communication, and matter progression

• Assist with and, where appropriate, appear in Courts and Tribunals including the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts, and VCAT

• Draft high-quality legal documents, including agreements, pleadings, affidavits, submissions, and various legal correspondences

• Advise clients on a range of matters, including commercial disputes, contractual issues, property matters, and estates (both advisory and disputes)

• Engage directly with clients and stakeholders, maintaining strong and professional relationships

• Participate in negotiations, mediations, and settlement discussions where relevant

• Work closely with senior lawyers/partners on complex or high-value matters across different practice areas

• Maintain accurate file management, time recording, and billing practices

Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• At least 2 years PAE with exposure to a mix of practice areas

• Experience across some of the following areas:

  • Commercial and contractual matters

  • Dispute resolution and litigation

  • Property-related matters

  • Employment and workplace relations matters

  • Building and Construction disputes

  • Wills, Estates, probate and/or succession matters

  • Court appearances in various jurisdictions

• Strong legal technical and drafting skills with a high level of attention to detail

• The ability to manage files independently and prioritise competing demands

• Confidence in dealing directly with clients and providing clear, practical advice

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership and accountability for their work

• Is reliable, responsive, and follows through on tasks

• Communicates clearly and professionally

• Is commercially aware and client-focused

• Works well within a team while being self-sufficient

• Maintains a high standard of professionalism and integrity

• Brings a consistently positive, solutions-oriented mindset, even in high-pressure or challenging situations

• Approaches work with a proactive “can-do” attitude, taking initiative to progress matters rather than waiting for direction or focusing on barriers

• Is adaptable and resilient, able to navigate changing priorities

Essendon Office – Team & Culture

Our Essendon office offers a supportive, down-to-earth, and team-oriented environment. You will be working alongside a collaborative group of lawyers and support staff who value:

• Strong teamwork and open communication – matters are discussed, not siloed

• Accountability and consistency – everyone pulls their weight and delivers to a high standard

• Practical, client-focused outcomes rather than overcomplicating issues

• A positive and respectful workplace culture where people support each other

This is a team that works closely together day-to-day, with a genuine focus on maintaining a steady, reliable, and professional workflow.

What We Offer

• A genuine opportunity to take ownership of your matters and develop as a well-rounded practitioner

• A stable role within a well-functioning and supportive Essendon team

• Exposure to a diverse and interesting mix of legal work across multiple practice areas

• Direct mentoring and support from experienced senior lawyers and partners

• A collaborative environment across multiple offices, with opportunities to broaden your experience

• Clear expectations, structured workflows, and strong administrative support

• A supportive and positive workplace culture that prides themselves on achieving excellence.