Lawyer / Associate - Employment and Litigation

Lawyer / Associate - Employment and Litigation About Us Makeham Flaherty is a new employment law firm specialising in disputes and litigation, wage remediation and regulatory compliance.

For over 25 years, our founding partners have led complex litigation, large‑scale wage remediation projects and regulatory engagements for tier‑one clients across Australia and New Zealand. In 2025, they joined forces with a vision to establish one of Australia’s leading boutique employment practices.

The firm is now growing its team to match its ambition.

The Opportunity We're seeking a lawyer with 1‑4 years’ PQE experience in employment and/or litigation to join our Melbourne office. This role offers genuine hands‑on experience with complex matters from day one, not years of discovery and back‑office work.

You will work directly with the founding partners on significant matters, including litigated disputes, large complex wage compliance issues and regulatory investigations. You will be involved in strategic advice, advocacy, and direct client engagement early in your career.

This is an opportunity to be part of something from the ground up. You will help shape our practice, contribute to business development, and have a clear career pathway and progression as the firm grows.

What You'll Work On

A wide range of employment disputes across unfair dismissal, general protections, discrimination, and workplace bullying matters, as well as related disputes involving defamation, judicial review / administrative law and shareholder oppression.

Responding to regulatory investigations.

Undertaking and advising on workplace investigations.

Wage compliance audits and remediation projects.

Strategic employment advice for executives and employers

Award interpretation and related advice.

Enterprise bargaining and industrial relations matters.

What We're Looking For Professional Experience

1‑4 years PQE with a litigation and/or employment focus

Demonstrated interest or experience in resolving disputes and strategic advisory work

Strong technical skills with excellent attention to detail

Commercial mindset – practical, solutions‑focused approach to problem‑solving

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Genuine enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Personal Attributes

Intellectually curious and committed to professional and personal development

Someone who wants to be involved in the growth of a firm, not just occupy a seat

Self‑starter who thrives with autonomy and responsibility

Collaborative team player who contributes to firm culture

What We Offer Professional Development

Direct partner mentoring and support

Hands‑on experience and client contact with complex, high‑quality matters

Advocacy opportunities

Clear career progression pathway in a growing firm

Involvement in business development and thought leadership

Tailored CPD

Central Melbourne CBD office (50 Queen Street)

Flexible working arrangements

Collegial, supportive, open culture without big‑firm bureaucracy and hierarchy

Remuneration

Competitive salary package: $115,000 - $145,000 incl. super (depending on experience)

Performance‑based bonus

Practicing certificate and professional membership fees

How to Apply Please send your CV and a brief cover letter addressing why you're interested in this role to tocareers@makehamflaherty.com.au.

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity contact Grace Brunton‑Makeham on 0434 839 981 or atgrace.makeham@makehamflaherty.com.au.

Applications will be reviewed as received and will close on

25 March 2026 . We encourage early applications.

Makeham Flaherty is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

#J-18808-Ljbffr