About Cowell Clarke
Cowell Clarke is a fast growing specialist commercial law firm based in Australia. With a team of over 190 professionals across Adelaide and Sydney, we represent clients across various industries both nationally and internationally. Our firm takes pride in fostering a positive culture that empowers our employees to excel.
Founded over 30 years ago, we set out to disrupt the traditional reactive approach of commercial law firms by offering exceptional personal service with a proactive, global perspective. Although we have expanded to build a national presence, our commitment to helping clients seize opportunities and manage risks remains unchanged.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to join our highly regarded Dispute Resolution team, working closely with Hayden Fox.
This is a key senior role within a growing practice, offering the opportunity to lead complex and high-value commercial disputes across a broad range of industries and sectors. You will advise clients on a diverse range of matters, including contract disputes, property and leasing disputes, shareholder and corporate governance issues, intellectual property disputes, construction matters, financial services litigation, insolvency, fraud and tax-related disputes.
Working directly with corporates, directors, shareholders, property developers, investors and government clients, you will play a central role in developing dispute resolution strategies that align with clients' commercial objectives and risk appetite. You will be trusted to manage matters with a high degree of autonomy, build and strengthen client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.
As a senior member of the team, you will also have the opportunity to mentor and develop junior lawyers, contribute to business development initiatives and play an active role in shaping the future direction of the practice.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious disputes lawyer seeking high-quality work, direct client engagement and a genuine pathway to leadership within a collaborative and entrepreneurial firm.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced commercial disputes lawyer with strong technical capability, sound commercial judgement and a proven ability to build trusted client relationships.
You will ideally have:
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7+ years' post-admission experience in dispute resolution, commercial litigation or a related field.
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Proven experience managing complex disputes from initial strategic advice through to resolution, including litigation, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes.
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Strong technical expertise across one or more of contract disputes, property and leasing disputes, shareholder disputes, insolvency, financial services, construction or regulatory matters.
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A highly commercial approach, with the ability to develop practical strategies that support clients' broader business objectives.
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Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work directly with senior executives, directors and business owners.
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Experience mentoring and developing junior lawyers.
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A genuine interest in business development and contributing to the growth of a successful and expanding practice.
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A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to thrive in a high-performing team environment.
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Most importantly, you will be someone who enjoys working closely with clients, taking ownership of matters and helping build a leading disputes practice.
What will we offer you?
Cowell Clarke offers a broad range of financial and social benefits in addition to market leading careers and professional development programs. We’re focused on developing our people’s careers whilst ensuring they maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Some of our many employee benefits include broad learning & development opportunities, social clubs, sporting & team events, wellbeing and family support, e.g. discounts to gym memberships & private health insurance, paid parental leave and the option to purchase additional leave.
How to apply
Apply online with your CV, academic transcripts and a covering letter.
Whilst we do not accept applications via email, if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
