Special Counsel

We are looking for an experienced Special Counsel to join a high-performing in-house legal team, providing strategic legal advice across complex employment law, litigation, and dispute resolution matters.
This role sits within the Office of General Counsel, supporting the Disputes & Reputation team. You will advise senior stakeholders on sensitive workplace issues, employment disputes, whistleblower matters, regulatory obligations, and Fair Work proceedings while partnering closely with business leaders to manage legal risk across the organisation.
This opportunity is suited to a lawyer operating at Special Counsel, Managing Associate, or equivalent senior level from a top-tier law firm who is looking to step into a senior in-house role.
Contract SummaryRate: Market rateContract Length: Initial 6–9 months (potential extension to 12 months)Work Model: HybridLocation: Sydney OR Melbourne
ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic legal advice on complex employment law matters across the business.Manage employment-related litigation, disputes, and regulatory matters from inception through to resolution.Advise on workplace investigations, misconduct matters, and whistleblower disclosures.Represent and support the organisation in Fair Work Commission conciliations and other employment-related proceedings.Partner with senior executives, HR, and business leaders to proactively manage legal and reputational risk.Prepare and review legal advice, correspondence, settlement documentation, and litigation strategy.Brief and manage external legal counsel where required.Support the management of high-profile and sensitive disputes with a commercial and risk-based approach.Ensure compliance with employment legislation, regulatory obligations, and internal governance requirements.Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes, policies, and risk management frameworks.
Skills & ExperienceSignificant post-admission experience in Employment Law, Litigation, and Dispute Resolution.Demonstrated experience managing complex workplace disputes and employment litigation.Strong experience representing clients in Fair Work Commission conciliations.Experience advising on Employer Relations matters is essential.Experience managing whistleblower matters and workplace investigations is highly regarded.Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to advise senior executives on complex legal issues.Commercially minded with excellent judgement and risk assessment capability.Ability to manage multiple complex matters in a fast-paced environment.
Highly RegardedExperience from a top-tier law firm (e.g. Allens, MinterEllison, King & Wood Mallesons, Ashurst, Herbert Smith Freehills, Clayton Utz, or equivalent).Previous in-house legal experience within a large corporate or professional services environment.Experience advising executive leadership on high-profile or reputationally sensitive matters.Ability to operate autonomously while managing competing priorities.