Senior Associate

Position: Senior Associate/Managing Associate – Criminal Law

Location: Canberra

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Team Environment: Supportive, dynamic, and professional

About Armstrong Legal

Armstrong Legal is a highly respected national law firm with over 20 years of experience in providing exceptional legal services. The Criminal Law team includes five Accredited Criminal Law Specialists, including many with Doyles Guide recognitions and multiple office locations across Australia.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Associate or Managing Associate to lead our Criminal Law team in Canberra. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional with a proven track record in Criminal Law to manage a diverse caseload, mentor junior team members as the team grows, and collaborate with a dynamic team.

The role will involve both casework as well as management of the Canberra Criminal Law team long term. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer to step into a management role, supported by the National Practice Director and other senior staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and representation to clients in criminal matters, including complex cases.
• Manage a diverse and high-volume caseload from start to finish, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Draft high-quality legal documents, including charges, defences, and court submissions.
• Represent clients in court hearings, trials, and mediations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of the firm’s criminal law practice, including business development and growth initiatives.
• Mentor and supervise other Criminal Law team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Develop precedents, policies and support the National Practice Director in implementation of these.
• Participate in strategy and business meetings with the National executive.
• Managing financial targets of the team.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 5 years of post-admission experience in Criminal Law, with a strong focus on complex matters. Specialist Accreditation would be considered favourably.
• Excellent knowledge of criminal law procedures and strong experience in court representation.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and a busy caseload effectively.
• A proactive, client-focused approach with a dedication to delivering exceptional legal service.
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Experience supervising and mentoring solicitors and a desire to work in a management role.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary, based on experience and qualifications.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment with ample opportunities for career growth and development.
• Exposure to challenging and varied criminal law matters.
• A healthy work-life balance including flexible work arrangements within a highly regarded national firm.
• Administrate support, including an accounts team, marketing, HR, dedicated tech staff and paralegal support.
• Support in obtaining Specialist Accreditation.

If you're an experienced Senior Associate looking to further your career in a well-established and dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit a Cover Letter along with your CV, and feel free to reach out to the National Practice Director, Angela Cooney at ***email_hidden*** with any questions about the role.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.