Lawyer or Associate | Public Law | Complex Liabilities, Insurance and Regulation

Location: Melbourne

Contract Type: Permanent

MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest independent law and consulting firms. With a heritage of almost 200 years, we are known for our excellence, and our authentic and enduring relationships with our clients, our people and our communities. Clients seek out MinterEllison to help them solve complex problems every day. We do this by our full-service legal offering and complementary consulting offering.

We offer opportunities to work on industry-leading mandates for top-tier clients, while being part of a high-performing and collaborative team that values excellence, diversity of thought, curiosity, and inclusion. We value our people and empower them to achieve their ambitions - with the support, trust and autonomy to grow their careers in meaningful ways.

At MinterEllison, we're leading the way with AI and other emerging technologies, powering innovation right across our firm. You will have the opportunity to engage with AI tools we've built, and other external AI tools, to enhance efficiencies and excellence internally and with our clients.

We support sustainable ways of working regarding how, when and where you work and offer a wide range of social, financial and health benefits (see https://www.minterellison.com/-/media/Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-Dec_2025.pdf)

The Team

MinterEllison’s leading Public Law team is growing in Melbourne, and we’re looking for a talented Lawyer or Associate (1–4 years PQE) to join us.

Working closely with Partners Tom Galvin and Sophie Lloyd and Special Counsel Elle Tattersall, you’ll be part of a high-performing, collaborative national team spanning Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Recognised with a Band 1 ranking for Government (Chambers 2026), our government practice is market-leading. Our Public Law team acts for Commonwealth clients across the federal courts and the Administrative Review Tribunal, advising on complex administrative law issues including statutory interpretation, decision-making and litigation.

About the Role

You’ll work on a diverse and high-volume litigation caseload, including:

• Merits review matters before the Administrative Review Tribunal
• Judicial review matters across the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Federal Court and High Court
• Appearing in interlocutory hearings, final hearings and appeals
• Conducting solicitor advocacy and briefing counsel on complex matters

This is a hands-on role offering real advocacy exposure and responsibility early in your career.

About You

You’re a motivated and commercially minded Lawyer or Associate with a strong interest in public and administrative law, ideally with government litigation experience. Experience in Commonwealth agencies (e.g. Department of Home Affairs) will be highly regarded.

We’re particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• Strong technical legal skills and clear, concise drafting
• Advocacy experience or a genuine interest in building it
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational capability
• Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Commercial awareness and financial acumen
• A client-focused mindset and relationship-building skills
• Pragmatic, solutions-oriented thinking
• Strong digital literacy and interest in legal technology
• Resilience and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

We prefer to connect with people directly, so please submit your CV by clicking on the 'Apply' button. We encourage all applications, including if you do not meet all the criteria listed for the role. Your application will also enable us to consider you for other opportunities that may be available at MinterEllison.

If you are currently a MinterEllison employee, please apply through the internal careers page.

If you would like further information, require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or for a confidential discussion, please contact Alexandra.Hussain@minterellison.com.