We are seeking to appoint an Associate with 4+ years’ post‑admission experience to join our Corporate and Commercial team in Melbourne. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with highly regarded Principals and senior lawyers on a diverse range of matters across multiple sectors.
You will gain exposure to complex transactions, governance advisory work, and strategic commercial projects, with meaningful client interaction and genuine opportunities for professional growth.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is looking to take the next step in their career. You will have the opportunity to work on varied and challenging matters, contribute to business development initiatives, and support the continued growth and capability of the practice. If you are motivated, adaptable, and ready to make a strong impact, we would welcome your application.
Job responsibilities include:
- Advising on not-for-profit mergers and amalgamations, and mergers and acquisitions for both not-for-profit and for-profit (typically private) clients in the health, aged care, disability and community sectors, including undertaking due diligence.
- Advising on corporate governance issues (Corporations Act, State/Territory Associations Acts, ACNC governance standards), including directors’ duties and liability, conflicts of interest, and election and appointment of directors, and associated disputes.
- Developing and negotiating commercial contracts, including for business services, management agreements, consultancies, sponsorship, funding and grants.
- Advising on business structures and restructures, including the creation and restructure of companies and trusts for regulatory compliance.
- Acting for clients seeking approval from various regulators, including FIRB, ACCC and ASIC.
- Developing and reviewing governing documents (NFP public company constitutions, association rules, private company constitutions) and governing documents (board charters, corporate policies).
- Contributing to business development and marketing activities, as well as legal precedents in Russell Kennedy’s sectors of focus.
- Proactively identifying new business development opportunities.
- Involvement in the supervision and mentoring of both junior lawyers, and law graduates, fostering their professional development and growth within our team.
Skills/Knowledge
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas or frameworks clearly.
- Commercially minded with a willingness to work on a diverse range of matters.
- Well-developed initiative, with a demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.
- Well-developed and effective Business Development skills.
- A self-starter, capable of working independently with limited supervision.
Even and approachable temperament to support mentoring, delegation of work to, and supervision of junior lawyers and law graduates.
-
Experience
- 4 years+ PAE working in general corporate and commercial matters.
- Experience in the health, aged care, disability or not-for-profit sectors is preferred, however, not essential.
- Broader mergers and acquisition experience will also be valued and taken into consideration.
Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Heidi Connell on (03) 9609 1517 or [email protected]. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Heidi Connell on (03) 9609 1517 or [email protected].
Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.
