Dispute Resolution (Historical Abuse & Commercial Litigation) Solicitor - 1-2 PQE - Melbourne

About Dentons Dentons is the world’s largest law firm. We’re 20,000+ people globally across 80+ countries including USA, Europe, India and Asia. We are a global polycentric firm which is expanding rapidly in an increasingly globalised legal industry. Dentons now consistently ranks as one of the five best regarded legal brands in the world according to the Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index.

About the Role This role reports to a highly accomplished Partner whose experience spans practice as a Barrister, CEO of the Victorian Bar, national firm partnership, senior in‑house roles as General Counsel, and other executive positions. The Partner is personable, approachable, and committed to building a collaborative team.

We are seeking a motivated Junior Solicitor to join our historical abuse practice. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact for survivors while developing specialist expertise. You will also gain exposure to a broad range of commercial litigation matters, working closely with senior lawyers to expand your skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Assist senior solicitors with historical abuse matters - including institutional and religious abuse matters - with the guidance and support to progressively manage files independently.

Attend court hearings, mediations, and client meetings under supervision.

Liaise with clients, support services, and external stakeholders in a sensitive and professional manner.

Maintain accurate and confidential case files and records.

Keep up-to-date with relevant legislation, case law, and procedural developments in historical abuse claims.

About You You are empathetic, resilient and committed. You thrive in a fast‑paced, supportive environment and are eager to learn from experienced practitioners. Your interpersonal skills enable you to build trust with clients and colleagues alike.

Skills and Qualifications

1‑2 years’ PQE in historical abuse claims or personal injury (Defendant experience preferred but not essential), in an Australian jurisdiction.

Excellent research, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and with vulnerable people.

High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice and client care.

What We Offer

Mentorship and training from leaders in the historical abuse space.

Exposure to complex, high‑impact cases.

A supportive team culture with a genuine focus on professional growth.

Flexible working arrangements.

Dentons provides employees with access to its Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential support, counselling and coaching delivered by experienced allied health professionals across a wide range of work, health, family, and life issues. Employees working on sensitive matters also complete annual vicarious trauma training.

NOTE: We will not be briefing agencies on this role so if you want to be considered, please apply directly.

Why Dentons Dentons Australia offers a wide range of incentives aimed at embracing your authenticity, providing purpose, and strengthening your ongoing development.

Equitable salary packaging, incentive pay and rewards

Salary continuous insurance (for permanent employees or employees on a 6‑month or more maximum term contract basis)

Salary sacrificing and novated leases

5 days Bonus Leave per year after 12 months of service

Additional leave options

Equal family leave for all genders (including kinship groups)

Floating public holidays for days of cultural significance

Exclusive retailer discounts

Offices designed for collaboration on Gadigal, Naarm, Yuggera, Kaurna and Whadjuk land

Learning & Development opportunities

Generous health and wellbeing programs

Agile and flexible working for all

Social and diversity networks providing year‑round events

Opportunities to undertake pro‑bono legal work

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Embedded in our people is a passion to help others through the delivery of justice. It is through this that our commitment to inclusion, equity, and reconciliation has evolved. We are proud to say that by design, we have no single headquarters or dominant national culture; this means the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of our people come together globally under one purpose to create an inclusive and accessible environment where anyone can thrive.

Please apply online with your CV, Cover Letter, and academic transcripts. If you have questions beforehand, please email our recruitment team at recruitment.au@dentons.com.

Enquiries only please, applications will not be accepted by email.

Agency Submissions Dentons does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute an introduction to the firm and Dentons will not be liable for a fee.

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