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Lawyer, Senior Associate or Special Counsel - Employment Relations and Safety

LocationBrisbane QLD, Australia
Work TypeFull time
Positions1 Position
Published At:10 days ago
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Job no: C7D3Q
Category: Legal

Good people. Good work. Great opportunities.

McCullough Robertson is a commercially focused firm with a proud 100 year history, working with high-calibre national and international clients. We work on big matters in small teams, approaching each day with dedication and professionalism.      

We provide exceptional opportunities for our employees to perform, grow and succeed through extensive training and career development. Our teams work together and support one another to achieve individual, team and firm-wide goals.

Backed by a national team of over 400 staff located in Brisbane and Sydney, McCullough Robertson combines a century of experience with a modern, collaborative approach, making us a big firm, without the attitude.

The Team

Our Employment Relations and Safety team delivers tailored, commercial solutions to complex workplace issues. Supporting organisations across the full employment lifecycle, we provide comprehensive guidance on workplace compliance, investigations, restructuring and change management, industrial relations and employment litigation, enterprise bargaining, dispute resolution, executive exits and post-employment enforcement. Additionally, our Work Health and Safety practice combines in-depth knowledge of WHS issues and legislation with genuine commitment to clients, approaching each matter with confidence and care.

The Role

Our practice is entering an exciting phase of national growth, and we are seeking exceptional talent to join our expanding Brisbane team.

Working this role, you will collaborate closely with both private and public sector clients across a broad range of employment relations and work health and safety matters.  You will advise on complex employment, industrial relations and safety issues, assist in resolving disciplinary matters, investigations and complex employee claims, as well as providing strategic advice on enterprise bargaining and organisational change processes. You will regularly appear in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights commissions, the various ‘CATs’ and Federal courts for employers in unfair dismissals, general protection claims and anti-discrimination matters.

You will also have the opportunity to work on significant safety matters, including incident responses, regulator investigations, prosecutions, compliance and governance initiatives. You will assist business, government and their officers in managing WHS psychosocial, physical and regulatory risks and be and involved in some of the country’s largest WHS prosecutions and coronial inquests.

Your client base will be diverse and high calibre, including ASX listed companies, not-for-profit organisations and local, state and federal government entities across an array of industries including food and agribusiness, transport, aged care, education and resources and renewables.

Experience

We are seeking driven and capable legal professionals with a minimum of three years' post-admission experience and a demonstrated expertise in employment and industrial relations law. Whether you are a lawyer looking to further develop your expertise, a Senior Associate seeking greater responsibility, or a Special Counsel eager to work closely with partners in leading matters and mentoring junior team members, this role offers the opportunity to build a rewarding and long-term career within a highly regarded practice.

As the successful candidate, you will have a strong track record providing front-end employment advice and undertaking detailed document reviews, as well as managing back-end litigation in courts and tribunals. Experience acting for government clients at the federal, state or local level, together with an understanding of national-system employers, will be highly regarded however, we welcome applications from practitioners with experience across either the federal or state industrial relations frameworks.

You will bring excellent written and verbal communication skills, coupled with a proactive, outcomes-focused approach to client service. Confidence in building meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues is essential, as is the ability to manage competing priorities with efficiency, sound judgment and professionalism. We are looking for people who thrive in a collaborative team environment while also being capable of working autonomously when required. Furthermore, you will have a genuine passion for employment law and a desire to build a long-term career in this dynamic and evolving area of practice.

Benefits

At McCullough Robertson, we encourage a balanced work environment. Our teams enjoy having the opportunity to work in a supportive environment while having fun and achieving results.

We offer the following benefits for our employees:

  • Dedicated Diversity committee with an innovative program focusing on all areas of diversity and inclusion;
  • Attractive further education program and supportive learning and development opportunities throughout your whole career;
  • Mentoring and sponsorship opportunities as well as coaching and leadership support;
  • Holistic Health and Wellbeing program including subsidised gym membership and active social and sporting committees; and
  • Inhouse barista and end-of-trip facilities.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are a leader in diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating an environment where our employees want to come to work.

An award-winning law firm, we have received the prestigious Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation for 15 consecutive year and been recognised as a Gold Tier Small Employer at the 2026 Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply for Job" button, and submit your application on-line. Alternatively, please contact Sophie Sims on 07 3914 8462 for a confidential discussion.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

  • Published on 04 Jun 2026, 2:25 AM