Special Counsel – Family Law & Estates

Job description

Pentana Stanton Lawyers is an established Melbourne law firm with a strong focus on Commercial Litigation and Complex Family Law.

As our practice continues to evolve, we are seeking an experienced Special Counsel to join our Family Law & Estates team. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished practitioner who enjoys managing sophisticated matters, leading a team, mentoring lawyers, and contributing to the ongoing development of a respected and progressive firm.

The role will be primarily based at our Dandenong office, with the opportunity to work across our Melbourne CBD offices as required.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead and supervise a team of lawyers and support staff while managing a broad range of complex Family Law and Estates matters, including significant property settlements, parenting disputes, financial agreements, contested estates, estate litigation, and estate planning.

Working closely with the firm’s Principals, you will take carriage of your own matters, oversee the day-to-day supervision and development of your team, and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supervising and mentoring a team of lawyers and legal support staff.
• Managing workflow, file allocation, and the professional development of your team.
• Managing a diverse portfolio of complex Family Law and Estates matters.
• Appearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and other relevant jurisdictions.
• Advising clients on complex legal and strategic issues.
• Working closely with the firm’s Principals on significant and sophisticated matters.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Contributing to business development and the continued growth of the Family Law & Estates practice.
• Promoting a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner with a current practising certificate.
• Significant post-admission experience in Family Law, with experience in Estates or a willingness to practise across both areas.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience supervising and mentoring lawyers.
• Commercial judgement and a client-focused approach.
• The ability to build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, counsel and other professionals.
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to delivering outstanding client outcomes.

An existing referral network or business development experience will be highly regarded, but is not essential.

What We Offer

• A genuine leadership role within an established and respected Melbourne law firm.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a talented team of legal professionals.
• Exposure to complex, high-value Family Law and Estates matters.
• Close collaboration with the firm’s Principals and senior leadership team.
• A supportive and professional working environment that values initiative and excellence.
• Modern offices located in Dandenong and Melbourne CBD.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience.
• Genuine long-term career progression within a firm committed to continued growth.

Apply

If you are an experienced practitioner seeking a senior leadership opportunity where you can make a meaningful contribution to both clients and the development of a growing practice, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your resume together with a cover letter outlining your experience and what you would bring to Pentana Stanton Lawyers.

Applications and confidential enquiries can be made directly to Jesse LaGreca at jesse.l@pstanton.com.au.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Job summary Lead a Family Law & Estates team in a senior leadership role managing complex matters within an established Melbourne law firm.

Key selling points

• Lead and mentor an established Family Law & Estates team.
• Manage complex, high-value matters with genuine autonomy.
• Competitive remuneration and long-term leadership opportunities.