SYD/MEL/BRI – Senior Associate or Special Counsel

Think Opportunity, Think Baker McKenzie

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time (0.6 FTE) Senior Associate or Special Counsel with 5+ years PQE to join our Risk team in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

About Baker McKenzie

At Baker McKenzie, we are different in the way we think, work and behave. The first local, truly global law firm in Australia, we commenced operations in Sydney in 1964, in Melbourne in 1982 and in Brisbane in 2014. Our lawyers work seamlessly with our global colleagues, collectively providing a capacity of more than 13,000 people, including over 6,500 lawyers who work alongside our clients to drive growth that is both sustainable-and inclusive.

Baker McKenzie Australia can offer you access to complex, market leading matters working with some of the world's best legal minds-people who know the law and who understand business. We have an unrivalled ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across our global network. Locally, we have an inclusive culture of learning, coaching and opportunity where you will work in small teams on matters that often cross borders. We value people who think ahead and get noticed.

About the role

This role is a job-share with the existing Special Counsel – Internal Risk and Compliance, reporting to the Chief of Staff and operating largely autonomously. The responsibilities include managing risk and compliance processes, governance affairs, and supporting partners and teams in adhering to firm policies and legal regulations. Main responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

Risk & Quality Committee (RQC):

• Prepare meeting materials and manage agenda. Coordinates RQC projects while maintaining action items and minutes.

Risk and Firm policy support to Australian Offices:

• Provide guidance to Partners and staff on risk-related aspects of Firm policies. Develop firm policy compliance processes, train staff, and promote risk management practices within the firm.

Governance advisory:

• Advise local management on governance issues, including partner recruitment and transitions, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory aspects.

Local Firm entities:

• Manage company secretarial tasks and maintain conflicts and contracts register for local captive entities. Arrange Director appointments and resignations.

Professional Indemnity insurance:

• Oversee annual PI renewal process and interact with insurers regarding partner appointments and departures.

Information Barriers:

• Implement initial measures and ongoing additions/removals. Provide guidance on local conduct rules and conflicts.

Regulatory compliance:

• Implement systems to comply with legal and regulatory environments that impact the Firm.

Projects:

• Undertake compliance projects e.g. eSafety (BOSE), AML implementation, confidentiality/privacy compliance and risk management. Contribute to global risk initiatives and participate in working groups to ensure compliance across Australian offices.

About you

• Minimum 5 years' post qualification experience, preferably working in a similar large firm environment;
• Strong technical, drafting and commercial skills;
• Exceptional contract review, drafting and communication skills;
• Relevant experience in a top tier or leading international firm preferred;
• A strong client service orientation;
• Excellent analytical, communication, and research skills;
• A commitment to high work standards and strong attention to detail;
• An ability to demonstrate initiative and proactivity;
• An ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders and to take responsibility for this relationship;
• An ability to work well in a team environment (including across Australian offices and internationally);
• Relevant legal qualifications; and
• A willingness to learn.

Our Benefits

• Financial benefits:
  competitive remuneration package, generous bonus scheme, salary continuance insurance, life insurance, salary sacrifice options, employee discounts, referral rewards, and travel insurance for you and your family
• Learning & development opportunities:
  client and international office secondments and regional and global development programs
• Flexibility:
  Hybrid and flexible working arrangements to balance your work and lifestyle
• Leave:
  26 weeks paid parental leave for all parents with no minimum service, ability to purchase additional annual leave and flexible public holidays
• Health & wellbeing programs:
  Employee Assistance Program including confidential counselling and wellbeing and financial coaching for you and your immediate family, flu vaccinations and discounted health insurance

Inclusion, Diversity & Equity

Baker McKenzie is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive culture for all its employees, with equal opportunity for all to progress and have a meaningful career with our Firm. Our mission is to foster an environment where individuals of every ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, disability, carer status and working style may succeed professionally and fully contribute to the goals of the Firm. Our bAgile program encourages a range of flexible work opportunities for all. We invite you to let us know of any reasonable adjustments you require to equitably participate in the recruitment process or in performing the requirements of this role.

Apply today

If you are interested, we would love to hear from you Please click
"apply now"
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As part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive we encourage applications from all genders, abilities and cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.