Location: Canberra
Discipline: Lawyer, Associate & Senior Associate
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Bianca Davies

Contact email: bianca@lawstaff.com.au
Job ref: CPL210126
Published: 1 day ago
Senior Associate – Public Law

The Opportunity

A highly regarded national law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join its Public Law practice in Canberra. This role is ideal for a lawyer with at least 5 years post-admission experience who is looking to work on complex, high-profile public sector matters within a collaborative and well-established team.

The successful candidate will join a close-knit, partner-led practice advising on major Commonwealth procurement and grants programs, as well as broader public sector and corporate governance matters.

The Role

Working closely with senior practitioners, as an experienced Senior Associate you will provide pragmatic, commercially focused probity advice to senior government stakeholders on significant and sensitive projects. The role also involves:
  • Advising on probity, integrity and governance issues across procurement, grants and public spending processes
  • Managing client relationships and ongoing advisory work
  • Supervising and mentoring junior team members
  • Contributing strategically to complex matters while balancing multiple workstreams
While the role is Canberra-based, suitably qualified candidates located in Melbourne may also be considered.

About the Candidate

Our client is seeking a practitioner who:
  • Has 5+ years’ experience advising clients, ideally with exposure to public sector matters
  • Demonstrates strong drafting and statutory interpretation skills, gained through experience in areas such as commercial law, administrative law, dispute resolution, litigation or public law
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working across a diverse range of complex matters
  • Values collaboration and contributes positively to team culture
  • Has, or can quickly develop, a strong understanding of probity, public sector integrity and governance frameworks
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, commercially minded, and capable of building trusted relationships with clients while bringing a calm, strategic approach to problem-solving.

Why This Firm

The firm offers a supportive and inclusive environment where people are encouraged to do meaningful work and build long-term careers. Benefits include:
  • Flexible Work: hybrid work arrangements are the norm, not the exception
  • Wellbeing & Benefits: Up to 20 weeks paid parental leave, health insurance, discounted gym memberships, salary continuance, Employee Assistance Program, and carers support
  • Inclusive & Diverse: Recognised for gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, cultural diversity, and disability inclusion initiatives
  • Career Development: Structured learning and development programs, with study support available
  • Community Involvement: Active pro bono and staff volunteering programs
Ready to Explore Your Next Step?

For a confidential discussion and obligation-free market insights, contact Bianca Davies today.

Click Apply or email your details to bianca@lawstaff.com.au (Reference: CPL210126).

Flexible call is available outside standard hours including lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends.

Even if this role isn’t the right fit, we would love to connect. Law Staff regularly works on unadvertised opportunities across private practice and in-house sectors.

LawStaff 260 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD | (07) 3221 1229

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly..