Careers

• Highly regarded Workplace Relations & Safety practice, offering exposure to diverse matters and clients, and recognised in the Doyle’s Guide rankings
• A true meritocracy model - be promoted by your contribution and not held back by outdated structures
• Generous leave policies including purchased, 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 1700 people.

The opportunity

We have an opportunity for an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to join our highly regarded Workplace Relations & Safety team, advising large and medium corporate clients, insurers, and government and statutory authorities.

You will work closely with Practice Group Head and Board Member Clare Raimondo, and Partner Jessica Nicholls, within a busy and growing practice that undertakes high‑profile, high‑quality litigation and advice work across industrial relations, work health and safety, investigations, discrimination, and other employment matters. This exciting opportunity has occurred due to the continued growth of the team. You will work closely with a large and well‑established group comprising 2 Partners, 3 Special Counsel, 5 Associates & Lawyers, and 2 dedicated support staff. The team also collaborates closely with our Corporate & Commercial practice on a range of diverse and engaging transactional matters. This role offers direct client exposure and the opportunity to work alongside colleagues across our national platform.

Our national Workplace Relations & Safety team has been recognised in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide rankings across multiple jurisdictions, reflecting the strength, depth, and consistency of our practice nationwide. Our Adelaide team has been recognised in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide as Recommended for Employment (Employer Representation) practice.

You'll be busy with

• supporting the Workplace Relations and Safety Partners across a range of advisory and litigation work on employment matters;
• maintaining strong relationships with key clients; and
• providing assessments and advice to clients and internal teams.

To succeed in this role, ideally you'll have

• 4+ years post admission experience;
• demonstrated experience running both contentious and non‑contentious employment matters, including conciliation conferences, mediations, interlocutory hearings, jurisdictional arguments, trial preparation, and briefing counsel;
• a strong interest in workplace relations and safety law, together with experience providing employment advice across a range of commercial transactions;
• excellent problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail; and
• for senior candidates, an appetite for mentoring our up-and-coming junior cohort.

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 3:2 work arrangements.
• Location: Our cutting-edge office is conveniently located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD at 83 Pirie amidst a fast-pace, high-networking legal community. Enjoy working in a state-of-the-art office environment with access to modern end of trip facilities.
• Great culture and a huge networking platform: Be part of a firm renowned for its friendly and down-to-earth culture. We also have sports clubs, social club and monthly firmwide drinks.
• 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 and cover letter via the 'Apply' link. 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 Anthony Gosti - agosti@hwle.com.au for a confidential discussion.