Associate/Senior Associate - Commonwealth Government - Corporate & Commercial - Canberra

• Opportunity for high-performing lawyers to work on important and complex commercial matters
• A true meritocracy model - be promoted based on your contribution
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave policies including purchase, parental and performance reward leave

About us

HWLE is not your typical law firm. Our rapid rise to become the largest legal partnership in Australia shows that in our case, the differences are real. We deliver first class legal advice to our government and commercial clients in every state and territory across Australia. Firm wide, we have over 270 Partners and 1900 people.   

The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Australian Government team in Canberra working with partners Elizabeth Skelly and Rachel Bannikoff. This team advises on major projects and programs, covering capability acquisition and sustainment, ICT and complex goods and/or services procurement and contracting. We also have a strong advisory practice on contract law and commercial matters for a variety of Australian Government clients. You will be working with a team of two partners, seven lawyers with support from a graduate and paralegal. This is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level and be a part of a growing practice.

In this role, you will

• advise on significant Australian Government projects
• experience all stages of the procurement lifecycle – approach to market design, procurement processes from approach to market release to negotiations and contract signature, and contract management and performance
• be part of a collaborative team, and
• support the achievement of Australian Government requirements and objectives.

To succeed in this role, ideally you'll have

• 2-5 years PAE, preferably in a commercial legal role
• a strong interest in working on Australian Government transactions
• background in project and program work and/or ICT contracting
• good interpersonal and communication skills to be able to deal with clients and other parties
• ability to draft clear and concise communications, and
• a desire to develop your career in private legal practice.

Candidates should have the ability and willingness to apply for a AGSVA Baseline clearance (or preferably hold a Baseline clearance).

What we offer

• Unrivalled career pathways: Our unique meritocracy model proudly offers our staff career development, promoting talent based solely on merit. Our size, range of experience and competitive pricing model will provide you with everything you need to succeed. Unlike our competitors, our Solicitor to Partner ratio enables greater mentoring and client engagement compared to our competitors. Our 180 day career forecasting sessions provide the platform to fast-track your progression.
• Work-Life Balance: We offer flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance
• Culture: Be part of a firm renowned for its friendly and down-to-earth culture.
• Impact: Join a firm consistently ranked at the forefront of the Australian legal market, where your work is recognised nationally.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV via the 'Apply' function. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia and a valid practising certificate to apply. HWLE also strongly encourages applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

HWLE strives to create an inclusive environment where our people want and feel comfortable to bring their entire selves to work. Varied perspectives contribute to our collective success so whatever your background, we'd love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. If you have reasonable accessibility requirements that will enable you to participate equitably in our recruitment process, please reach out to Gianni Sgualdino on **********@hwle.com.au for a confidential discussion.