Senior Associate - Wills, Estates & Succession Planning

• Join us in our beautiful, purpose-built office in Geelong or our new office space in Melbourne
• Full-time or part-time (minimum four days per week)
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Who we are

Coulter Legal is one of Victoria’s largest regionally based law firms, with offices in Geelong, Melbourne, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula, and South Australia. We are proud to be a leading law firm with a difference: we genuinely care about our people, our clients, and our community.

We embrace innovation and continuously evolve our legal processes to deliver exceptional outcomes. Our success is built on the contributions of every team member, and we believe that recruiting the right people is key to our growth and sustainability.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and professional Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer to join the team to deliver high quality services to our clients. Our client base is diverse, spanning individuals, multi-generational families and business owners, and the role will see you servicing this diverse base to meet all succession, estate administration and estate dispute needs.

We are looking for someone who thrives in both autonomous and collaborative environments. You will work closely with our Head of Department and our team, including providing support and guidance and mentoring to early career lawyers and law graduates. You will also collaborate with other teams within our firm to provide quality service and advice to clients.

Your role will include:

• Preparation of wills, including complex testamentary trusts, special disability trusts, super proceeds trusts and others
• Probate applications
• Letters of administration
• Estate administration
• Complex Estate planning
• Part IV/Estate Litigation
• Powers of Attorney
• VCAT Guardianship and administration matters

Key responsibilities include

• Providing tailored advice to a variety of clients ensuring exceptional quality and strategic insight in every engagement
• Drive an outstanding client experience, cultivating trusted relationships and guiding clients through sensitive and multifaceted legal issues with professionalism and empathy
• Lead and oversee a diverse portfolio of matters, managing competing priorities with a high level of organisation, discipline and attention to detail expected of a senior practitioner
• Model excellence and contribute meaningfully to team culture, working collaboratively with senior colleagues, accredited specialists and emerging practitioners to support a high‑performance, innovative practice group
• Ability to develop referrers and engage in business development
• Champion professional standards and continuous improvement, helping to reinforce the firm’s commitment to innovation, client service and practice growth

What you’ll bring

• At least five years post-admission experience in a Wills, Estates & Succession Planning practice, demonstrating depth of expertise across the full spectrum of this practice
• Proven capability in cultivating strong client relationships, supported by sound judgment, emotional intelligence and a commitment to exemplary service.
• Exceptional organisational and file‑management skills, with meticulous attention to detail and a disciplined approach to managing complex and competing priorities.
• A proactive, positive and flexible approach, suited to a senior role that requires initiative, autonomy and the ability to navigate nuanced, high‑stakes matters.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to contribute constructively to a cohesive, supportive and high‑performing team environment
• Proven ability to work well within a team
• Positive, proactive and flexible attitude
• Demonstrated experience in building client relationships
• Experience in Part IV/Estate Litigation matters would desirable but not essential

Why join us?

At Coulter Legal, we foster a culture of high performance, engagement, and community connection. Our values guide everything we do, and we seek like-minded individuals who share our commitment to excellence and integrity.

You will be part of a supportive team where your skills and experience can grow. We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Flexible working options
• Generous parental leave program
• Floating public holidays
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community
• Purchase leave program
• A genuinely inclusive and welcoming culture
• Access to ongoing training and professional development

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

Coulter Legal values diversity, promotes inclusion, and ensures equal access for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team and enhance the service we provide to our clients.

If you require any adjustments to be made throughout the recruitment process, please contact us on the details below.

How to apply

For a confidential discussion, please contact Amelia Pilcher, HR Consultant on 03 5273 5243.