Associate | Construction Disputes

The role and the teamA strong pipeline of new matters has created an opportunity for an Associate (ideally with 2-4 years’ experience) to join our highly regarded Construction team in Melbourne.
Our national Construction team operates across all four of our Australian offices and has a strong focus on Construction disputes. In Melbourne, our Construction team is composed of three Partners, one Consultant, one Senior Associate and four Associates. We represent many of the largest international construction companies, with a particular focus on infrastructure projects in the energy and transport sectors. Working collaboratively across multiple jurisdictions we provide a dependable and responsive service, irrespective of where the project is based.
In this role, you may be working with:Alex McKellar, who specialises in construction and infrastructure projects, including project risk allocation, contract drafting and negotiation, security of payment matters, and the resolution of complex construction disputes through adjudication, arbitration and litigation. He advises clients across major infrastructure, property, resources and energy projects. Nick Longley, who specialises in construction, construction insurance and international arbitration. He advises contractors, consultants and insurers on major transport infrastructure, energy and renewables projects, with a particular focus on large-scale disputes, arbitration and construction claims. He is also Co-Head of HFW’s International Arbitration Group. Ken Hickman, who specialises in complex construction and infrastructure disputes across the transport, energy, resources and major projects sectors. He acts for owners and contractors in litigation, arbitration, mediation and adjudication, and provides strategic project advisory and pre-dispute advice to help minimise and manage project risk.
In this role, you will be part of a high‑performing and supportive national team. You will be trusted with meaningful responsibility from the start and will be encouraged to take ownership of parts of matters, work closely with Partners and senior team members, and collaborate across the broader team nationally. You will be supported and mentored by experienced lawyers who are committed to your professional development, with regular access to learning and development opportunities. Curiosity, initiative and a genuine eagerness to learn are qualities that will be actively encouraged and supported.
To be successful and thrive in this role you will have the following skills and attributes:At least two years' of litigation experience, most of which should be in construction disputesGenuine interest in building a specialist career in construction lawStrong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detailA client‑focused mindset and a commitment to delivering a high standard of serviceThe ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environmentStrong analytical skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex legal and commercial issues and apply them in practiceA collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to the success of the wider HFW team
About the FirmHFW is a sector focused global law firm with a focus on construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities, corporate & commercial and insurance. We have over 700 lawyers working across Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. With a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business, thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients, we are dynamic, entrepreneurial and leaders in our specialist areas.
In Australia, we have 4 offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and around 220 team members.
What's in it for you?If you're eager to join a friendly team in a positive environment, this opportunity could be ideal for you. As well as a friendly, down to earth group of colleagues, we offer the following benefits:Market-competitive remuneration package, transparent and generous bonus scheme, employee referral incentives, and life and salary continuance insuranceHealth & Wellbeing initiatives, such as annual flu vaccinations, access to the Employee Assistance Program, free subscriptions to wellbeing apps, and subsidised sporting activitiesAn active employee-led Social Committee, organising regular events in all our officesHybrid and flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance work and life commitments effectivelyThe ability to purchase additional annual leave and access our Paid Parental Leave (26 weeks)Beautiful brand-new office in the CBD with excellent facilitiesA welcoming, supportive, and collaborative work environment
What's next? If this sounds like an opportunity for you, apply online with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role. If you have any questions or need any further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to Maarja Kamar, HR Consultant, on Maarja.Kamar@hfw.com.
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm in Australia.