Expressions of Interest - Government (Defence and National Security) Lawyers
Corporate & Commercial | Flexible
* This is a unique opportunity to be part of an emergent practice area at the intersection of Defence, law, and the international security environment.
* We are looking for lawyers with excellent legal skills who can overlay strategic thinking about the Defence, security, and international environments; have a mindset for and a commitment to meaningful, professional work and the progression of the national interest; and who appreciate the benefits of private practice.
* Advisory skills and the ability to guide clients through evolving technology, political, and policy trends, alongside traditional legal issues, will be highly valued.
* Liaison, engagement, and representative acumen will be important; you will collaborate with agencies and key staff in the Defence and national security community to support Australia’s sovereign and strategic industrial capabilities, including within projects, acquisition, and sustainment, and international regulatory regimes.
* You will be part of a practice area enabled to leverage the capability of a national, independent, full-service law firm, with excellent support and resourcing.
* Work alongside the most capable lawyers and partners in the country, within a firm that has a demonstrated track record of being among the best at what they do, and who consider their people to be their strongest asset.
When it comes to culture, flexibility, innovation, and Smarter Law, we don’t just talk the talk - we walk the walk. Learn more about what Hall & Wilcox can offer you: bit.ly/HWbenefits
About the opportunities and team
There has never been a better time to join Hall & Wilcox as we celebrate our firm’s appointment to the Whole of Australian Government Legal Services Panel across all five of the substantive legal areas.
We invite expressions of interest from lawyers at all levels up to Special Counsel to join our growing team, working with our Head of Defence, and embracing the opportunities Hall & Wilcox offers.
We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have experience working with or for the Department of Defence, within the Commonwealth Government, or in or alongside the national security community, including within industry.
You will sit within our national Corporate and Commercial section, comprising around 75 team members nationwide. We provide a full range of legal services to our public sector clients, bringing deep expertise and a fresh perspective, leveraging our leading practices across insurance and commercial law. Our key clients include the Commonwealth Government, local councils, the Victorian and New South Wales State Governments, and other large corporate entities.
These opportunities can be based in any of our office locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, and Newcastle.
About you
You will ideally have the following skills and experience:
* Between two and eight years of post-admission experience.
* Experience working in or with the Commonwealth government on Commonwealth matters is valued but not essential.
* A desire to work on public sector matters and contribute to the growth of our Commonwealth government practice.
* A Commonwealth security clearance at NV1 or better will be highly regarded.
* The ability to work autonomously and as part of a supportive, collaborative team.
* The ability to confidently run matters and handle a busy workload with competing timelines.
About us
Hall & Wilcox is a leading independent Australian law firm. We deliver outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector, and private clients, both Australian-based and offshore entities doing business in Australia. Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people, and our communities to thrive.
Some recent awards and recognitions include:
* Best Australian Law Firm (>$200m revenue) at the 2025 Beaton Client Choice Awards
* Ranked 7th in the Lawyers Weekly Top 25 Attraction Firms for 2024 and 2025
* Law Firm of the Year at the 2023 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards
* Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) since 2018
We are known for a great culture that is warm, welcoming, progressive, inclusive, and supportive, underpinned by our values - the Hallmarks.
We are also renowned for Smarter Law, which involves thinking differently and finding innovative solutions through technology, challenging business models, innovative pricing, and creative resourcing.
We are a firm of the future, offering interesting and challenging work and access to great clients. To learn more, visit our website.
Apply now
Let’s connect. Click apply to submit your expression of interest.
At Hall & Wilcox, we are committed to an inclusive workplace that values diverse contributions. We encourage applications from all cultural backgrounds (including First Nations), age, abilities, sexual orientation, and gender identities.
We support candidates with disabilities to ensure a fair, equitable, and supportive recruitment process. If you require adjustments or support, contact Alison Daly-Thomson, Talent Acquisition Manager, at for a confidential discussion.
This vacancy is managed directly by our Talent Acquisition / People & Culture team. We will contact our preferred agency partners if needed.
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