Solicitor – Senior Associate

The Role

There are outstanding opportunities to join one of Australia’s most respected Construction, Projects & Infrastructure legal practices at a pivotal time of growth.

With positions available across the eastern seaboard in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne you will work alongside industry-recognised Partners and Special Counsel on some of the most complex and high-value construction, insurance, and commercial matters in the country.

We are seeking lawyers with experience across one or more of the following areas: building and construction litigation, construction disputes, commercial litigation, contract works insurance, property insurance, ISR insurance, or first party insurance. Whether you are a specialist construction lawyer, an experienced commercial litigator, or an insurance lawyer with a focus on construction or property risks, we want to hear from you.

We are hiring across multiple levels, from Solicitor through to Senior Associate, and will tailor the role to the right candidate.

About Us

Carter Newell is an award-winning Australian law firm established in 1989, with offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Winners of the 2023 Australian Law Awards for Litigation/Dispute Resolution Team of the Year, our Construction, Projects & Infrastructure team has specialised in construction law for more than 30 years.

The team is led by five highly experienced Partners, including Lawyers Weekly Construction & Infrastructure Partner of the Year, Patrick Mead (2020, 2023 & 2025).

We act for builders, contractors, principals, developers, sub-contractors, and construction insurers on some of the largest and most technically complex projects in Australia. Five of our Partners are recognised in the Best Lawyers in Australia 2025 edition, and the firm is ranked by Doyle’s Guide in Construction & Infrastructure Litigation.

We are an authentic, inclusive, and sustainable firm that genuinely invests in our people

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with and progressively managing building and construction litigation and dispute resolution, including adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and court proceedings
• Advising on construction disputes across all project phases, from front-end contract drafting through to back-end claims management
• Acting for insurers and insureds in relation to contract works insurance, property insurance, and ISR (Industrial Special Risks) insurance claims
• Advising on first party insurance matters, including fire, flood, and major loss events
• Advising clients on construction contracts, procurement strategies, and front-end documentation
• Providing advice under security of payment legislation
• Supporting principals, contractors, sub-contractors, and construction insurers through all phases of major infrastructure projects
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Mentoring and supporting junior lawyers within the team (Senior Associate level)

About You

You are a motivated and commercially minded lawyer who is looking to develop your career within a specialist construction and infrastructure practice. You may come from one or more of the following backgrounds:

• Construction law – with experience in building and construction disputes, adjudication, or front-end contract work
• Commercial litigation – looking to apply your dispute resolution skills within a specialist construction and infrastructure practice
• Insurance law – with expertise in contract works, property insurance, ISR, or first party insurance claims including fire, flood, and major loss events

Whatever your background, you bring strong technical skills, sound judgement, and a genuine interest in the construction, infrastructure, and insurance sectors. You enjoy working collaboratively and are looking for a firm where your contribution is valued and your career actively developed.

Qualifications & Experience

Requirements will vary depending on the level of the role, we encourage applications from lawyers at the Solicitor, Associate, and Senior Associate levels.

• Admitted to practise in Australia
• Experience in one or more of the following: building and construction litigation, construction disputes, commercial litigation, contract works insurance, property insurance, ISR insurance, or first party insurance
• Strong dispute resolution skills, including experience in litigation, arbitration, adjudication, or mediation
• Experience with fire, flood, or major loss insurance claims (desirable)
• Working knowledge of security of payment legislation (desirable but not essential for insurance or commercial litigators)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively within a team

What We Offer

• Eastern seaboard opportunity – choose to be based in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne
• Relocation support – we will assist with relocation costs and logistics for the right candidate
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience
• Direct access to and mentorship from five highly regarded Partners and senior lawyers
• Exposure to landmark, high-value, and technically complex matters across construction, infrastructure, and insurance
• A genuinely collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture
• Clear career progression pathways
• Flexible working arrangements
• Firm-wide wellbeing and professional development programs

How to Apply

If you are ready to take your career to the next level with one of Australia’s leading specialist firms, we would love to hear from you.  Please submit your CV and a cover letter to our People & Culture team at careers@carternewell.com, or for a confidential discussion, contact us on +61 7 3000 8300.

Carter Newell is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.