Special Counsel

HarperLloyd is working in partnership with a respected Sydney specialist law firm on the appointment of a Special Counsel – Family Law.

This opportunity would suit an experienced Family Lawyer, Family Law Senior Associate or Special Counsel looking to step into a genuine leadership position within an established and highly successful Family Law practice.

Importantly, this is not simply another senior fee-earning role. The successful lawyer will be brought in to lead and further grow the Family Law team, with a clear and genuinely defined pathway toward becoming a Principal of the practice within a relatively short timeframe.

The firm has built a strong reputation across complex family law matters, including high-net-worth property settlements, parenting disputes, business and trust structures, and sensitive relationship breakdowns. The environment is professional yet relaxed, with a strong focus on autonomy, quality work, long-term relationships and sustainable success.

The Opportunity

You will work closely with highly experienced Principals on sophisticated family law matters while taking an active leadership role within the team and contributing to the future growth and direction of the practice.

The role offers:

• Complex and high-quality Family Law matters
• A genuine leadership position within the team
• A clearly defined pathway toward Principal
• Strong client relationships and direct client contact
• High level of autonomy and trust
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Flexible and mature working environment
• Opportunity to help shape and grow the practice long-term

About You

To be considered, you will ideally bring:

• 5+ years PAE in Family Law
• Strong Family Law litigation and advisory capability
• Experience managing complex property and parenting matters
• Confidence managing client relationships autonomously
• Commercial judgement and pragmatic problem-solving skills
• Strong drafting, negotiation and advocacy capability
• A collaborative and grounded personality

This role would particularly suit someone looking for:

• More meaningful progression
• A stronger voice within a practice
• Greater autonomy
• A long-term platform to build their career
• High-quality Family Law work without top-tier bureaucracy

Why Consider This Role?

This is not a traditional “bums on seats” environment.

The firm is known for its approachable leadership, strong culture and long-term thinking. Lawyers are trusted to manage matters properly, build relationships and contribute meaningfully to the broader direction of the practice.

For the right person, this role offers something increasingly difficult to find in the Sydney market: a genuine opportunity to step into leadership, inherit an established practice platform and progress toward Principal within a clear and realistic timeframe.

How to Apply

To apply confidentially, please contact:

Tyson Wood - Senior Consultant on 0483 929 598 or via ***email_hidden***

HarperLloyd Recruitment is a legal recruitment agency working with law firms across Australia. We welcome confidential enquiries from lawyers considering their next career move.