This is a Special Counsel (Financial Lines) role with Kennedys based in Melbourne, VIC, AU Kennedys Role Seniority - senior More about the Special Counsel (Financial Lines) role at Kennedys Kennedys is seeking an experienced Special Counsel to join Emily Schneider's team in our Melbourne office. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding team, playing a key role in supervising junior lawyers, managing complex matters, and contributing to the team's continued growth. You'll work on sophisticated professional indemnity, D&O, construction disputes, and class actions within our market-leading insurance practice. Emily's practice spans Financial Lines, D&O and Professional Indemnity for accountants, financial advisors, construction professionals, property valuers, real estate agents, solicitors and law firms. She also acts for local councils, statutory authorities, not-for-profits, trustees and SMEs, handling matters ranging from large-scale commercial construction disputes to class actions and regulatory investigations. You will join a growing team in a senior capacity, assisting with supervision of junior team members, managing urgent coverage advice work, and helping maintain the team's high standards and turn-around times. This role offers genuine flexibility with hybrid working arrangements and consideration for part-time candidates. What You'll Do Supervise and mentor Associates and junior lawyers in day-to-day file management Draft coverage advices for insurers (often urgent matters requiring quick turnaround) Manage complex professional indemnity, D&O, and construction matters independently Assist with class action defence work Liaise with clients, barristers, and insurers Appear in court across multiple jurisdictions including Supreme Court, County Court, VCAT and Federal Court Contribute to marketing activities and client relationship management What We're Looking For 9 years' PQE in commercial litigation, insurance, or professional indemnity Essential: Coverage experience and ability to draft coverage advices Strong litigation skills with proven ability to manage complex files independently Demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong drafting abilities Ability to manage urgent matters and competing priorities efficiently High level of professionalism and integrity Collaborative approach and genuine interest in team development Commercial acumen and client-focused approach *Where a level of experience is indicated, this represents our preference based on the complexity of matters handled. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience who demonstrate the requisite skills and knowledge. Please let us know if you require any additional support or adjustments to be made in order to submit your application to Kennedys. Are you ready to join a collaborative and supportive team and progress in your insurance litigation career at a leading international firm? We'd love to hear from you. Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the Kennedys team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Supervising and mentoring Drafting coverage advices ⚖️ Managing complex matters Key Strengths Commercial litigation experience Strong litigation skills ️ Excellent communication skills Collaborative approach Commercial acumen ⏳ Ability to manage priorities A Final Note: This is a role with Kennedys not with Hatch.