Our client is one of Melbourne's most respected mid-tier law firms with a distinguished history. Known for providing exceptional client service and innovative legal solutions, they serve major corporations, government entities, ASX-listed companies, and growing businesses across diverse industry sectors throughout Australia. About the Team Our client's Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety team is recognised as one of Victoria's premier employment law practices, consistently ranked among the top-tier for complex workplace matters. The team provides comprehensive advice across all aspects of employment law, workplace relations, workplace health and safety, and industrial relations matters. The team acts for major employers, government departments, industry associations, and executive clients on their most significant workplace challenges. Their lawyers have extensive experience in employment litigation, enterprise bargaining, workplace investigations, executive appointments and terminations, workplace safety prosecutions, and complex industrial disputes across all industry sectors. About the Role As Australia's workplace landscape continues to evolve with new industrial relations legislation, increased workplace safety focus, and changing employment practices, our client's Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety team is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join their market-leading Melbourne practice. This represents an outstanding opportunity for an employment lawyer with strong technical skills and practical experience to advance their career with one of Melbourne's most established and respected employment practices. You will work on high-profile matters alongside senior partners while building relationships with leading employers and industry participants. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic advice on complex employment law matters including terminations, restraints, and executive disputes Manage workplace relations matters including enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, and Fair Work Commission proceedings Handle employment litigation in federal and state courts and tribunals Conduct workplace investigations including misconduct, harassment, and discrimination matters Advise on workplace health and safety compliance, prosecutions, and risk management Draft and negotiate employment contracts, enterprise agreements, and workplace policies Provide advice on restructures, redundancies, and change management processes Handle executive appointment and termination matters including negotiation of packages Advise on workplace discrimination, harassment, and equal opportunity matters Manage compliance advice across modern awards, enterprise agreements, and employment standards Coordinate with specialist advisers including HR consultants, workplace psychologists, and safety experts Support business development activities and maintain client relationships Senior Associate Role Expectations You will be expected to: Provide expert advice on complex employment and workplace relations matters with minimal supervision Take day-to-day responsibility for employment matters with direct client contact Demonstrate exceptional understanding of industrial relations legislation and workplace compliance Show commercial acumen in managing workplace disputes and providing practical solutions Communicate effectively with senior executives, HR professionals, and union representatives Build and maintain relationships with key players in Victoria's employment law market Work effectively in high-pressure, time-sensitive workplace dispute environments Understand employment law developments and regulatory changes affecting clients Lead negotiations in enterprise bargaining and workplace dispute resolution Support team development and contribute to a collaborative work environment About the Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who has: 5-8 years' experience in employment law, workplace relations, or industrial relations with a reputable firm Strong experience across employment litigation, enterprise bargaining, and workplace investigations Excellent knowledge of Fair Work Act, workplace health and safety legislation, and employment standards Experience with Fair Work Commission proceedings and employment-related court matters Outstanding drafting and negotiation skills with practical approach to workplace solutions Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple complex employment matters Proactive approach with genuine interest in employment law and industrial relations developments Exceptional client relationship skills and business development capabilities Ability to work collaboratively in deadline-driven environments Leadership qualities and commitment to mentoring junior team members Highly Regarded: Experience with workplace health and safety prosecutions and compliance matters Public sector employment and government advisory experience Executive employment and senior appointment experience Professional development in discrimination law, workplace investigations, or industrial psychology Understanding of sector-specific employment issues (healthcare, education, construction) Why Apply? Our client offers: Melbourne's leading mid-tier employment law practice with exceptional client relationships Highly competitive remuneration package with performance-based rewards Clear career progression pathway with partnership opportunities for exceptional candidates Work on landmark employment matters shaping Victoria's workplace relations landscape Collaborative environment with leading employment law specialists Comprehensive professional development and specialist training programmes Direct access to senior partners and involvement in high-profile workplace matters Comprehensive benefits package and professional development programme Modern office facilities Strong commitment to work-life balance and employee satisfaction How to Apply We invite applications from employment lawyers seeking to advance their career with one of Melbourne's most respected employment law practices and work on matters that define Victoria's workplace relations landscape. Please submit your CV and a tailored cover letter highlighting your relevant employment law experience and interest in joining our client's Melbourne team. Contact: Ivan Pignataro Director D'Arcy Weil T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 E: ivan@darcyweil.com Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive and develop rewarding careers in employment law, regardless of their background or circumstances.