Special Counsel - Litigation & Dispute Resolution

About the role

This vacancy sits within our commercial disputes practice which focuses on general commercial litigation as well as high level professional indemnity litigation acting for a range of clients across various industries. Clients include the insurers of professionals in various fields - with particular emphasis on lawyers.

This is fantastic opportunity to join a small but dynamic and knowledgeable team in a world-renowned firm who often work on international and cross border matters. In this role you will provide exceptional legal advice to clients, conduct defence as required and appear in court. You will maximise the skill development of junior lawyers by supervising and coaching and supporting the partners in building the practice by seeking out and acting on new client opportunities.

What does the role involve?

We can offer you the opportunity to work autonomously on your own matters with minimal supervision. On a day-to-day basis, you will have the chance to:

• Run commercial litigation primarily in the Supreme and Federal Court, and also in the Court of Appeal
• Advise and conduct defence and appearance work
• Advise corporate policy holders seeking to maximise recovery on disputed insurance claims
• Provide advice and guidance to policy holders regarding insurance policies and wording
• Participate in business development and client relationship activities by participating in business development meetings where required, engaging in pitch and tenders, assist with the development of marketing materials as required
• Develop the capacity of colleagues to deliver high quality legal advice through on-the-job training and supervision, team meetings and matter de-brief
• Contribute to the firm's learning and development program in area of specialty
• Contribute to knowledge and learning resources, including precedents
• Manage finances including assisting with estimates and preparation of invoices; collection of fees as directed.

About you

We value our culture at K&L Gates and are proud of our friendly and respectful reputation. We are looking for a likeminded individual who in addition to possessing technical excellence and fantastic client service skills is able to work collaboratively in a team to get things done.

We are looking for a commercial litigator who ideally has experience working in a similar firm on similar matters. You should be practical and proactive in your approach in addition to demonstrating strong problem solving skills. A high level of client service is expected as are excellent organisation, written and oral communication skills.

You must have a commercial litigation background, ideally with some experience in insurance litigation and/or insurance coverage. In addition, you will be comfortable dealing with technical work outside of your own speciality. This role may appeal to someone who has dealt with professional negligence.

The ideal candidate will have 7 or more years post qualification experience in commercial litigation.