Special Counsel - Employment Law

Special Counsel - Employment Law

Sydney CBD | Senior High-Autonomy Role

BlackBay Lawyers is a specialist litigation and employment firm where senior lawyers are trusted to lead, advise and shape outcomes.

We act for ASX-listed companies, founders, boards and senior executives on complex employment, workplace relations and employment-related disputes, often involving significant commercial or reputational risk. We were named Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2024, were finalists in 2025, and are again in 2026.

We are seeking a Special Counsel to take a senior role within our employment practice, with day-to-day authority, direct client ownership and meaningful influence over the conduct and direction of matters.

The Role

As Special Counsel at BlackBay, you will

• Lead complex employment and workplace law matters end-to-end, with genuine authority
• Act as a primary strategic adviser to employers and senior executives
• Advise clients directly - boards, founders, HR leaders and C-suite executives
• Lead contentious employment matters, including Fair Work proceedings and disputes
• Provide strategic advice on high-risk terminations, executive exits and sensitive workplace issues
• Play a central role in negotiations, mediations and critical decision-making
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, while remaining hands-on in significant matters
• Contribute to the growth, profile and depth of the employment law practice
• Be trusted to exercise independent judgment and be accountable for outcomes.

This role is designed for

• Special Counsel (approximately 10+ PQE in employment or workplace law)
• want control over matters, not just tasks
• value direct client ownership
• are confident making strategic decisions
• expect progression to follow performance, not tenure
• You are comfortable being relied upon, by clients and partners.

What you receive in return

• Complex, high-stakes litigation
• Direct access to Partners and decision-makers
• Active support and budget to build your professional profile, reputation and market presence
• The autonomy and opportunity to develop your own book of clients, with firm backing
• Remuneration and progression aligned to contribution and impact
• A collegiate, ego-free culture with high standards
• A clear pathway to partnership in a firm scaling deliberately and sustainably
• Your own private office

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining BlackBay Lawyers, please apply via LinkedIn or send your CV and cover letter to ***email_hidden***

Confidential conversations are welcome - not all strong candidates are actively looking.