Senior Associate | Public law | Complex Liabilities, Insurance & Regulation

Location: Sydney

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)

Join a leading government litigation and administrative law practice

MinterEllison has one of Australia's premier public law practices, advising government agencies on complex litigation, merits and judicial review proceedings, and a broad range of public and administrative law issues. Our team is recognised for delivering pragmatic, strategic and commercially focused advice that helps clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Associate to join our Public Law team in Sydney.

Working closely with Partners Tom Galvin and Sophie Lloyd, and Special Counsel Elle Tattersall, you will play a key role in a highly regarded government practice, managing a diverse and complex portfolio of public law matters. This includes conducting merits review proceedings before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and judicial review proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

This is a hands-on role offering significant responsibility, regular advocacy opportunities, and direct client engagement. You'll have the autonomy to run matters, mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to the continued growth and capability of the team.

• Managing a broad caseload of merits and judicial review litigation for Commonwealth clients.
• Appearing as a solicitor advocate at hearings, conferences and appeals.
• Advising government clients on administrative law, statutory interpretation, litigation strategy and decision-making frameworks.
• Instructing counsel on complex and high-profile matters.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
• Contributing to business development, client engagement and team initiatives.

About You

We're seeking a motivated and collaborative lawyer who is passionate about public law and government litigation, and is looking to take the next step in their career within a national market-leading team.

We welcome applications from lawyers who possess:

• 5+ years' PQE in public and administrative law and/or government litigation.
• Experience acting for Commonwealth agencies or government clients in merits and/or judicial review proceedings.
• Strong advocacy, drafting and technical legal skills.
• Experience managing matters autonomously and delivering practical, client-focused advice.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative approach and genuine interest in mentoring and developing junior lawyers.
• A commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional client outcomes.
• Strong financial acumen.

Experience working with the Department of Home Affairs or other Commonwealth agencies will be highly regarded.

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.