Special Counsel

The OpportunityAn exciting opportunity exists for an experienced construction disputes lawyer to join a well-regarded and high-performing team. This is an exciting blend of construction disputes and renewable energy work. You will work closely with a senior partner who is highly regarded in the construction space, acting as the critical link between the partner and two junior lawyers plus a graduate.This is a one-partner practice with a genuine and structured pathway toward Special Counsel and, ultimately, partnership, supported by dedicated mentoring programs. There is the opportunity to join as Special Counsel for those with suitable experience.About the FirmOur client is a leading international law firm with a well-established and highly regarded presence in the Australian market. With a strong Sydney office, the firm is known for its collegiate, down-to-earth culture, and genuine investment in its people. Lawyers benefit from private offices, structured flexible working arrangements, and access to leading-edge legal technology, including advanced AI tools that are embedded across the practice.Key ResponsibilitiesRun construction disputes and renewable energy matters with a high degree of autonomyManage Supreme Court litigation, arbitrations, and other complex disputesSupervise, delegate to, and mentor two junior lawyers and a graduateWork across large-scale construction matters, including security of payment disputesHandle tight turnaround matters, including adjudications, as part of a hands-on teamContribute to business development and client relationship management over timeCollaborate with a front-end construction partner and special counsel where matters overlapCandidate RequirementsApproximately 8 to 11 years' PQE in construction disputesAustralian or New Zealand qualification preferredGenuine experience with large-scale construction matters; exposure to security of payment disputes highly valuedComfortable running matters independently and managing competing deadlinesA collaborative, down-to-earth approach with no ego, and a genuine willingness to mentor junior lawyersStrong communication skills and the ability to build rapport easily in an interview and team settingCandidates currently based in the UK or Middle East and considering a return to Australia are encouraged to applyWhy ApplyGenuine partnership pathway with structured mentoring and sponsorshipWork across both disputes and renewable energy in a rare combined front/back-end roleJoin a global firm with the feel and culture of a mid-sized practice, where you know who you're working withAccess to market-leading legal AI tools and technologyStructured flexible working arrangements, including regular WFH daysPrivate offices for all lawyersRelocation support available for candidates returning from overseasCompetitive remuneration package, reflective of experienceAbout Barratt GalvinEstablished in 2014, Barratt Galvin is a specialist legal recruitment consultancy focused on private practice legal recruitment. Laura Barratt, our founder, has been recruiting throughout Australia, the Middle East and the UK since 2005, building deep market knowledge and long-standing relationships across each region.We partner with leading international and regional law firms to recruit Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Business Development, Marketing, and HR professionals. Recognised for our strength in international law firm recruitment, we regularly advise on moves between the markets within which we recruit.With strong Sydney and broader Australian market connections, we support both local career progression and international relocation for those seeking opportunities in the Middle East, UK, or beyond.Barratt Galvin delivers specialist insight, discretion, and access to exclusive opportunities across Australian and global legal markets.