Careers

• Broaden your experience with a rapidly growing Corporate & Commercial practice group
• A true meritocracy model - be promoted by your contribution and not held back by outdated structures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 Lawyers 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 1900 people. Our Brisbane Corporate & Commercial practice group comprises of circa 38 people, including 8 Partners across a number of speciality areas.

The opportunity

Working closely with our Competition partner - Simon Ellis, we have an opportunity to join our highly regarded Corporate & Commercial practice. Our Competition practice spans the full scope of competition and consumer law matters; from merger assessments and transactions to disputes and regulatory investigations, as well as general advisory matters including in relation to restraint of trade and consumer law issues.   

This is a unique opportunity to work with blue-chip clients across a diverse rang e of industries and complex matters while developing your technical expertise in a broad commercial practice. Simon is known for his collaborative, practical and commercially focused approach with a commitment to mentoring his team, providing lawyers with meaningful client exposure and responsibility.

You'll be busy with

• Managing complex competition issues in the transactional setting including merger filings, engaging with the ACCC; drafting key provisions in commercial agreements and engaging with clients;
• Assessing competition risks in the transactional setting and advising on strategies to commercially manage those risks;
• Assisting clients in response to regulatory notices;
• Advising on potential risks under Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act and advising on commercially practical strategies to mitigate client risk;
• Working collaboratively with the broader corporate team to negotiate and prepare key commercial documents and agreements;
• Working collaboratively with the disputes team in relation to competition or consumer disputes;
• Developing client relationships and contributing to business development;
• Mentoring junior colleagues;

To succeed in this role, ideally, you'll have

• 5 + years PAE gained within a reputable Competition & Consumer practice;
• Strong analytical, drafting and communication skills;
• Experience advising on commercial, regulatory or competition-related matters;
• The ability to deliver commercially astute and pragmatic legal advice;
• Strong relationship management skills and a client-focused mindset;
• A collaborative approach and a genuine interest in contributing to a growing practice;
• The ability to work autonomously while also mentoring and supporting junior team members;
• A desire to build a long-term career within a leading national Corporate & Commercial team.

What we offer

• Unrivalled career pathways: Our unique meritocracy model proudly offers our staff career development that is clearly articulated and transparent, 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.
• 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 via the 'Apply' function. 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 would 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 Gianni Sgualdino for a confidential discussion.