Description
About Us
We are a respected and longstanding regional law practice based in Bendigo but with a strong presence across Central Victoria. Our firm is known for delivering practical, down to earth legal advice backed by technical excellence. We pride ourselves on our strong community ties, loyal client base, and a workplace culture built on collaboration, integrity, and genuine support for one another.
As a regional practice, we offer the best of both worlds: high quality, diverse legal work combined with the lifestyle, affordability, and community connection that Bendigo is known for.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Civil Lawyer with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Wills & Estates
- Commercial Law, particularly:
- Business sales and acquisitions
- Commercial leasing
You will manage your own files and work closely with a supportive team across a diverse range of matters. This is a key role within the firm, offering the chance to step into a mature practice area with an established pipeline of work. For the right candidate, there is a fair degree of flexibility in terms of practice areas – We value depth of experience, strong client skills, and are open to candidates with other areas of expertise who are looking to broaden their practice. Other practice areas (such as Family Law) would be considered.
You will also have the opportunity to mentor junior practitioners, and the ability to influence the continued growth and direction of the practice. For the right candidate, there is scope for future leadership opportunities.
It is a full time role but there is some flexibility and part time candidates will be considered - please note in your application how many days/week you would be available. The role is obviously based in Bendigo, but does occasionally include travel to Melbourne for a matter.
Key Responsibilities
In terms of the practice areas above, the key responsibilities would be as follows:
- Managing a broad and steady caseload across Wills & Estates and/or Commercial matters
- Preparing wills, powers of attorney, advanced care directives, and comprehensive estate plans
- Advising executors and beneficiaries on estate administration, probate, and letters of administration
- Managing contested estate matters, including negotiation and dispute resolution
- Acting on business sales and purchases, including due diligence, contract drafting, and negotiations
- Drafting, reviewing, and advising on commercial leases, licences, and related agreements
- Providing strategic, commercially focused advice to local businesses, families, and individuals
- Maintaining strong client relationships built on trust, clarity, and reliability
- Supervising, guiding, and developing junior lawyers and support staff
- Contributing to practice development, community engagement, and firm initiatives
About You
Minimum 3+ years PAE with solid experience in one or more practice areas
Strong drafting skills and a high level of attention to detail
Confident managing files independently from initial instructions through to completion
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex matters in a clear, approachable way
A practical, solutions driven mindset with strong commercial awareness
Ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds, including longstanding regional clients
Interest in mentoring junior staff and contributing to a positive team culture
A genuine appreciation for regional practice and community based legal work
Commitment to ethical practice, professional development, and contributing positively to a team environment
Why Join Us?
Competitive remuneration package tailored to experience
A supportive, friendly, and stable team environment within the office and in the wider legal community in Bendigo
High quality, varied work without the pressures or anonymity of a metropolitan practice
Real opportunities for leadership, career progression, and long term growth
Strong administrative and paralegal support
A healthy work-life balance, with the lifestyle benefits of living in Bendigo — a thriving regional centre with excellent schools, arts, culture, and easy access to Melbourne
Requirements
Professional Requirements
- Law degree (LLB or JD) and admission to legal practice in Australia.
- 3+ years PAE.
- Strong professional ethics and compliance with regulatory obligations.
- Current Australian practising certificate (ideally unrestricted).