About the Role
BDO Migration Services is an incorporated legal practice specialising in all aspects of Australian immigration and nationality law for corporate and private clients. As part of the BDO global network, we combine legal expertise with a commitment to integrity, responsiveness, and impact.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Associate, you will provide technical leadership in the preparation and management of migration matters, supervising the delivery of high‐quality legal services by junior lawyers and legal support staff. You will be responsible for ensuring matters progress in line with service level agreements (SLAs), quality standards, and risk frameworks. This role focuses primarily on internal leadership and high‐quality delivery, with occasional client contact.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the preparation of applications and supporting documentation across a range of visa subclasses.
* Draft, review and finalise supporting legal submissions, including health waivers, character waivers and responses to Requests for More Information.
* Conduct complex eligibility assessments and provide internal technical guidance on novel or high‐risk matters.
* Supervise, review and provide feedback on legal drafting by junior team members.
* Monitor legal deadlines and ensure matters progress in line with KPIs and SLAs.
* Escalate risks, delays, or client issues promptly in line with internal policies.
* Support training, capability development and onboarding of junior staff.
* Participate in internal knowledge sharing, policy updates and continuous improvement activities.
* Assist with reporting and quality assurance where required.
* Contribute to a respectful, values‐aligned workplace committed to fairness, integrity, and professionalism.
Skills and Attributes
* Strong understanding of Australian immigration law and policy, with a focus on employer‐sponsored visa pathways.
* Demonstrated ability to mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team capability uplift.
* High level of written communication and legal drafting skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities in high‐volume environments.
* Sound judgement and ability to identify and manage legal, operational and reputational risks.
* Commitment to ethical and compliant legal practice.
* Motivated to make a meaningful difference through high‐quality legal work.
* Strong time management and familiarity with working to service delivery targets and SLAs.
Qualifications and Experience
* Admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia.
* Minimum of 3 years' post‐admission experience in immigration or administrative law.
* Strong experience in corporate immigration law, particularly subclasses 482, 186 and 494.
* Experience supervising or mentoring lawyers or legal staff.
* Experience using Migration Manager or similar case management software (desirable).
* Experience working in a professional services or high‐volume corporate legal environment.
EEO Statement
We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2025‐2026 by the Diversity Council of Australia and a 2024‐2025 Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). BDO is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview process, we encourage you to contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@bdo.com.au.
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