Solicitor, Commercial Litigation

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.

We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.

We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.

Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Solicitor to join our leading Tier 1 and award winning Dispute Resolution team to be based in Sydney, focussing on general commercial litigation with a particular focus on regulatory and tax disputes as well as other complex and strategic disputes.

In this role you will work closely with Hugh Paynter and other pre-eminent disputes partners and senior lawyers across the group. You will undertake a range of work that supports local, national and international clients. We advise clients in every industry sector including banking and insurance, mining and energy, technology, pharma and private equity.

You will have responsibility for contributing to an excellent client service, handling files, identifying issues and proactively providing solutions. You will play an important role in projects to further develop business opportunities with existing and new clients. You will be a key member of a highly motivated and innovative team. You will also work with colleagues in our interstate and international offices.

You will have extensive client exposure and opportunities to develop a network of relationships. You will benefit from exceptional learning opportunities working in a team of highly ambitious and collaborative lawyers.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• demonstrable experience in delivering technical advice on a range of commercial litigation matters from a leading top tier, national or international private practice; or an in-house environment;
• ideally have 2-4 years' legal experience, however we are open to considering candidates;
• an excellent academic record coupled with strong legal skills and a practical mindset;
• a proactive approach and desire to be an integral member of our leading and supportive team;
• an ability to work to tight timeframes, collaboratively and at times autonomously;
• excellent communication skills and ability to demonstrate collegiality within a team;
• have a hunger to learn and develop, and be part of maintaining a market-leading practice.

The team:

With a multi-disciplinary global disputes team of world-leading sector specialists and regional experts, we provide commercial insight and legal advice which is described by Chambers and Partners as a 'Dispute Resolution powerhouse that consistently tops the rankings across the world'.

Bringing together litigators, arbitrators, mediators, advocacy experts, regulatory specialists, and investigators, whatever the challenge or opportunity, we partner with our clients every step in the process.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's Disputes group is ranked as a Tier 1 Dispute Resolution Firm (Legal and ranked a Band 1 Dispute Resolution Firm (Chambers Asia Pacific 2025).

What you can expect from us:

• We're a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 6,000 professionals across 26 offices. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.
• We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.
• We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.
• We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you'll have it and we'll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.
• Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia's market leading law firm.

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values - Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

For any questions or a confidential discussion, please contact Donella Gressieux, Senior Recruitment Adviser on

This vacancy is being managed directly by the HSF Kramer Recruitment team. We will contact our preferred agency partners should we require additional assistance. Thank you.

Team

Disputes

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

Sydney

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.