Associate, Senior Associate or Special Counsel Defence

Dispute Resolution Canberra Rare and exciting opportunity to join a top Australian law firm and work on secondment with the Department of Defence Suits experienced litigation / disputes and administrative lawyers at Associate to Special Counsel level (minimum of 4 years PAE / PQE) Please note that candidates must be based in Canberra or be willing to relocate on an as‑needs basis (including a period onsite) Subsequent engagements may be available in other capital cities This is a unique opportunity to be a part of an emergent practice area at the intersection of Defence law and the international security environment. We are looking for lawyers with excellent legal skills who can overlay strategic thinking about the Defence security and international environments; have the mindset for and a commitment to meaningful professional work and the progression of the national interest; and who appreciate the benefits of private practice. Liaison engagement and representative acumen will be important; you will collaborate with agencies and key staff in the Defence and national security community to support Australia’s Defence missions, sovereign relationships and strategic industrial capabilities. You will be part of a practice area enabled to leverage the capability of a national independent full‑service law firm with excellent support and resourcing. You will work alongside some of the most capable lawyers and partners in the country within a firm that has demonstrated a track record at being amongst the best at what they do and who consider their people to be their strongest asset. When it comes to culture, flexibility, innovation and Smarter Law we don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk. Learn more about what Hall & Wilcox can offer you: opportunities and team. There has never been a better time to join Hall & Wilcox as we continue to expand our firm’s presence on the Whole of Australian Government Legal Services Panel. We have opportunities for experienced litigation and disputes lawyers to join Hall & Wilcox on secondment with the Department; in these roles you will work closely with Defence counsel on a range of issues including investigations, commissions and inquiries, coronial matters, commercial disputes, regulatory matters, mediation and arbitration and other areas. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have experience working with or for the Department of Defence within the Commonwealth Government or in or alongside the national security community, including within industry. You will sit within our national Dispute Resolution section which is comprised of around 115 team members nationally. We provide the full range of legal services to our public sector clients bringing both depth expertise and a fresh perspective to their matters and leveraging our leading and established practices across insurance and commercial law. We partner with clients at all levels of government with key clients including the Commonwealth Government, local councils, the Victorian and New South Wales State Governments and other large corporate entities. Responsibilities Work closely with Defence counsel on a range of issues including investigations, commissions and inquiries, coronial matters, commercial disputes, regulatory matters, mediation and arbitration and other areas. Support Australia’s Defence missions, sovereign relationships and strategic industrial capabilities. Collaborate with agencies and key staff in the Defence and national security community. Provide the full range of legal services to public sector clients, leveraging expertise and leading practices across insurance and commercial law. Required Experience Senior IC Qualifications Minimum of 4 years of post‑admission experience. Experience working in commercial litigation and disputes or administrative law, ideally with or within Commonwealth government. Background working for or with the Department of Defence highly regarded. Current Commonwealth security clearance at NV1 (preferred) or Baseline (minimum). Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a supportive and collaborative team. Ability to confidently run matters through adversarial or ADR processes with a mature mindset and understanding of the unique operating environment. Expressions of interest may be subject to the Department of Defence ATL engagement moratorium. About us Hall & Wilcox is a leading independent Australian law firm. We deliver outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients both Australian‑based and those offshore doing business in Australia. Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive. Hear from our people about what its like to work at HW: recent awards and citations include: Best Australian Law Firm ($200m revenue) at the 2025 Beaton Client Choice Awards Law Firm of the Year at the 2023 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards Ranked fourth in the Lawyers Weekly Top 25 Attraction Firms for 2023 and 2024 Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation holder since 2018 We are known for having a great culture that is warm, welcoming, progressive, inclusive and supportive, underpinned by enduring values known as Hallmarks. We are also renowned for Smarter Law – looking beyond the status quo to think differently and find solutions, enabling technology, challenging business models, innovative pricing and creative resourcing. We are a firm of the future. We offer our people interesting and challenging work and access to great clients. To learn more about HW visit our website. Employment Details Employment Type: Full Time Experience: Senior IC Vacancy: 1 Key Skills Client Server Food Technology Flight Operations Contract Attorney Inventory Management Apply now – Let’s connect. Click apply to submit your expression of interest. At Hall & Wilcox we are committed to creating a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions of all people. We encourage applications from candidates of all cultural backgrounds (including First Nations), age, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities. We are also committed to supporting candidates with disability so that every candidate is offered a fair, equitable and supportive recruitment experience. If you require any adjustments or support to complete your application or if you have any questions please contact Alison Daly‑Thomson Talent Acquisition Manager for a confidential discussion. This vacancy is being managed directly by the HW Talent Acquisition / People & Culture team. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr