CONTACT

Senior Associate

The Opportunity

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

This is a role for a lawyer who wants complex matters, direct partner access, meaningful client contact and the opportunity to take real ownership of litigation strategy and matter delivery.

You will work closely with partners on high-stakes commercial disputes, insolvency litigation, asset recovery, enforcement and cross-border matters. You will also help supervise junior lawyers, contribute to the firm’s knowledge base and build your professional profile within a specialist boutique environment.

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, Senior Associates are not limited to discrete tasks within large matter teams.

You will be expected and supported to think strategically, take carriage of matters appropriate to your experience, work directly with clients and counsel, and contribute to the direction of the matter from an early stage.

This role is suited to a lawyer who wants complex and high-quality commercial litigation work, significant responsibility, a clear pathway toward Special Counsel or partnership and a work environment that values high standards.

What you will work on

You will work across matters involving:

  • Complex commercial disputes
  • Insolvency and restructuring disputes
  • 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 contentious and high-pressure situations

What you will do

  • Take substantial carriage of disputes matters from strategy through to resolution
  • Draft pleadings, advices, evidence, submissions, correspondence, briefs to counsel and settlement documents
  • Frame case theory, identify the real issues in dispute and help develop litigation strategy
  • Manage timetables, key dates, limitation risk and matter progress
  • Work directly with clients, counsel, experts and opposing solicitors
  • Prepare matter analysis, chronologies, evidence reviews and discovery materials
  • Attend hearings where appropriate, including case management hearings, directions hearings and interlocutory hearings
  • Supervise and develop Associates, Graduates, Paralegals and Clerks
  • Contribute to articles, presentations, case updates, precedents and internal training
  • Support business development activity, including events, pitches and relationship-building

About You

  • 5+ years’ post-admission experience, predominantly in commercial litigation, dispute resolution or contentious insolvency
  • Strong hands-on litigation experience, including pleadings, evidence, interlocutory steps, court procedure and settlement strategy
  • Experience in insolvency, restructuring or complex commercial disputes
  • Excellent drafting, analytical and strategic thinking skills
  • Sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Confidence dealing with clients, counsel and other stakeholders
  • A high level of ownership, professionalism and attention to detail
  • An interest in supervising and developing junior lawyers
  • A desire to build your profile and contribute to the growth of a specialist 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 trusted to take ownership of complex matters, exercise sound judgement, communicate clearly with clients and partners, and proactively develop those around you.

You will be expected to deliver work at a senior standard, maintain strong file and matter discipline, and contribute to the firm’s culture of mastery, commercial clarity and accountability.

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 clients
  • Complex and high-quality disputes and commercial litigation work
  • Greater responsibility than many larger firm environments
  • A clear platform to build technical expertise and market profile
  • A collaborative boutique environment with high expectations
  • A pathway toward senior leadership, Special Counsel or partnership

Professional standards and Requirements

  • Hold a current 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.