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Associate

The Opportunity

Ironbridge Legal is seeking an Associate to join its specialist disputes, restructuring and insolvency practice.

This is a role for a mid-level lawyer who wants hands-on commercial litigation experience, direct partner access, meaningful client contact and the opportunity to take greater ownership of matters as they develop.

You will work closely with Senior Associates, Special Counsel and Partners on complex commercial disputes, contentious insolvency matters, asset recovery, enforcement and cross-border disputes.

The successful candidate will be trusted to run matters end-to-end, from initial advice and litigation strategy through to hearing or resolution, with direct access to partners and clients.

Why this role is different

At Ironbridge Legal, Associates are given real responsibility and supported to develop strong matter-running skills.

You will not be limited to isolated research or drafting tasks. You will be involved in strategy, evidence, pleadings, court processes, client communication and settlement. You will also have the opportunity to supervise junior team members and contribute to the firm’s knowledge, profile and growth.

This role is suited to a lawyer who wants exposure to complex and high-quality commercial litigation work, professional growth opportunities, and a work environment that values high standards.

What you will work on

You will work across matters involving:

  • Commercial litigation and complex disputes
  • Contentious insolvency and restructuring matters
  • Asset recovery and urgent interlocutory applications
  • Cross-border disputes and enforcement
  • Shareholder, director and corporate disputes
  • Court proceedings, mediations and settlement negotiations
  • Strategic advice to clients in high-pressure situations

What you will do

In this role, you will:

  • Take day-to-day carriage of disputes matters of moderate complexity
  • Draft pleadings, advices, evidence, submissions, correspondence, briefs to counsel and settlement documents
  • Assist in framing case theory, identifying the real issues in dispute and developing litigation strategy
  • Manage timetables, key dates, limitation risk and matter progress
  • Work with clients, counsel, experts and opposing solicitors
  • Prepare matter analysis, chronologies, evidence reviews and discovery materials
  • Prepare for and attend hearings where appropriate, including case management hearings, directions hearings and interlocutory hearings
  • Supervise Junior Associates, Graduates, Paralegals and Clerks on allocated tasks where appropriate
  • Contribute to articles, presentations, case updates, precedents and internal training
  • Support business development activity, including events, pitches and relationship-building

About You

  • 3 to 5 years’ post-admission experience, predominantly in commercial litigation, dispute resolution or contentious insolvency
  • Hands-on litigation experience, including pleadings, evidence, interlocutory steps, court procedure and settlement strategy
  • Strong drafting, research and analytical skills
  • Sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Confidence communicating with clients, counsel and other stakeholders
  • A high level of ownership, professionalism and attention to detail
  • An interest in supervising and developing junior team members
  • A desire to build your profile within a specialist disputes practice

Experience that is predominantly non-litigious, transactional, advisory or regulatory may be considered, but this role is designed for a lawyer with substantial hands-on commercial litigation experience.

What good looks like

Success in this role means you are developing into a confident, independent disputes lawyer.

You will be trusted to manage matters of moderate complexity, produce clear and reliable work, communicate effectively, exercise sound judgement and know when to escalate important issues.

You will also contribute to the team by supporting junior lawyers, improving precedents and helping build the firm’s profile in the market.

Why Ironbridge Legal

Ironbridge Legal is a specialist disputes, restructuring and insolvency firm. We are focused on complex matters where strategy, judgement and execution matter.

You will join a team that values technical excellence, clear communication, composed collaboration and practical commercial judgement.

For the right person, this role offers:

  • Direct access to partners and senior lawyers
  • Complex and high-quality disputes and commercial litigation work
  • Greater responsibility than many larger firm environments
  • A strong platform to develop matter-running skills
  • Exposure to clients, counsel and court processes
  • A collaborative boutique environment with high standards
  • A pathway toward Senior Associate

Professional standards and Requirements

  • Hold a current Australian Australian Practising Certificate 
  • Comply with all professional and ethical obligations, maintain confidentiality and privilege, and meet CPD requirements.
  • Must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future
  • Use approved legal technology and AI tools responsibly, verify all outputs against primary sources and maintain full professional responsibility for your work.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role directly to admin@ironbridgelegal.com.au.