Orbell Family Lawyers – Family Law, Done Differently
At Orbell Family Lawyers, family law is all we do, and we're proud to practise it with purpose, clarity, and care for our clients and our team.
We've built a firm around values that matter: quality over volume, trust in our people, and a strong focus on teamwork, systems, and continuous development. We are a team of specialist family lawyers helping clients navigate life's most difficult transitions with confidence, compassion, and strategic insight.
In early 2026, Orbell Family Lawyers is opening a permanent office in Newcastle.
We are seeking an experienced Practice Leader / Senior Lawyer (looking to take the next step in your career) to help establish, lead and grow our Newcastle office as part of this next phase of the firm's expansion.
You'll have day-to-day carriage of your own matters, while also leading and developing a local team. You'll be supported and coached by the wider OFL Practice Leader group and executive team and empowered to build a high-performing Newcastle practice within a structured, well-supported environment.
Why Join OFL
Empowered to make a difference.
At OFL, Practice Leaders take on meaningful legal work and meaningful leadership. You'll be trusted to shape a new office while being supported by experienced family law leaders who invest in your development and decision-making.
Remuneration that rewards outcomes.
We pay above-market salaries that recognise skill, leadership, delegation, and impact, not just tenure. Practice Leaders are rewarded for building strong teams, delivering quality outcomes, and operating with the support of OFL's Practising Principles.
Work with structure, systems, and support.
Our technology-based systems, precedents and Matter Management Framework allow you to focus on legal strategy, leadership and client outcomes, not chaos or rework.
Grow with intention.
Leadership at OFL is supported, not isolated. You'll receive ongoing mentoring, strategic input and peer support as you establish the Newcastle office and grow your leadership capability.
Join a values-driven and fun-focused team.
We hire for professionalism, empathy and reliability, and we foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that balances high standards with enjoyment and connection.
What We're Looking For
* You'll lead and develop the Newcastle OFL team, including family law solicitors and paralegals, with planned growth as the office establishes.
* You will play a key role in opening and embedding OFL's permanent Newcastle office, working closely with firm leadership on culture, structure and growth.
* You will maintain a balanced personal caseload of family law matters, focused on appropriate complexity and quality rather than volume.
* You'll work closely with OFL Practice Leaders, receiving structured mentoring and support on complex legal strategy, litigation decisions and leadership development.
* You will supervise, mentor and quality-assure legal work across the team, ensuring advice, documents and client service consistently meet OFL standards.
* You'll provide clear, strategic and empathetic advice to clients, including settlement strategy, litigation risk assessment and outcome-focused guidance.
* You'll draft and settle key legal documents, court material, settlement proposals and correspondence using OFL precedents and frameworks.
* You'll attend court events, mediations and negotiations, with senior support where appropriate on higher-risk matters.
* You'll collaborate with barristers, experts and internal team members to progress matters efficiently and strategically.
* You'll leverage OFL's Matter Management Framework and legal technology to support delegation, productivity and strong team performance.
* You'll contribute to firm initiatives and culture, including mentoring, knowledge-sharing, leadership development and community engagement.
What You'll Enjoy
* Above-market salary and benefits
* A career-defining opportunity to lead and scale a new OFL office
* Structured leadership support and mentoring
* Hybrid work model supporting work-life balance
* Health & wellness allowance (gym, allied health or mental wellbeing)
* Paid CPD (including travel and accommodation)
* Regular paid RDOs and paid Christmas holiday leave
* Team-building events, offsites and community engagement opportunities
* Modern offices in Newcastle (launching early 2026), Erina, Mona Vale and Chatswood
* A firm culture that prioritises quality, collaboration and career sustainability
To Apply
Email your CV and a short cover letter to
Applications are reviewed on receipt and treated in strict confidence.
Note: This role is not suitable for graduate solicitors or those without Australian family law experience.