Associate Lawyer (2-4 PQE) - Insurance Litigation

Role Overview and Team Environment

Based in Melbourne, this role offers exposure to a wide range of commercial disputes and contentious insurance matters, including casualty, professional indemnity, and directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage and defence. The focus is on handling high-value, strategic claims that often involve multiple stakeholders and emerging risks such as AI-related issues. The client portfolio includes major Australian and London Market underwriters alongside large corporate entities.

The team is led by recognised experts Darryl Smith, Partner and Australia Co-Lead for AI & Legal Technology, and Ross Donaldson, Partner. The workplace culture promotes collaboration and positivity, with strong mentoring support and career advancement opportunities.

Applicants from general disputes or insurance litigation backgrounds are encouraged, joining a cooperative global network that prioritises shared knowledge, inclusivity, responsibility, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support on complex and sizeable cases, including defence work related to directors’ and officers’ liability, professional indemnity insurance claims, large construction project disputes, product and public liability claims, and multi-party litigation.
• Collaborate with and oversee junior lawyers, assisting partners and special counsel with team management and fostering a collaborative team atmosphere.
• Engage directly with regional and international clients to build and maintain trusted adviser relationships; support business development initiatives.
• Manage e-discovery tasks and electronic data collection pertinent to litigation with superior organizational skills.
• Communicate clearly and effectively when conveying legal advice to clients and negotiating with opposing parties.

Candidate Profile

• Australian or dual-qualified lawyers with experience from international or leading national law firms.
• Demonstrated litigation experience involving defence claims in Australian courts and tribunals, committed to technical legal excellence.
• Commercially astute with the confidence to build relationships, understand client needs, and assist in growing client portfolios.
• Enthusiastic about professional development and capable of contributing to business growth through client engagement.
• Motivated to excel in a high-performing, team-centric environment.

Why Join Clyde & Co?

• Hybrid working model balancing office and remote work.
• Additional five days paid leave annually for senior legal staff.
• Generous structured performance bonuses and referral incentives.
• Access to mentorship, global training, and career development programs.
• Engaging corporate culture with social events, volunteer opportunities, and wellbeing initiatives including a $750 yearly wellness allowance and a dedicated Wellbeing Day.
• Inclusive parental leave policy offering six months fully paid leave regardless of gender or family structure.
• Global mobility opportunities with access to events and international office experiences.

About the Firm

With a global presence of nearly 70 offices and a workforce of over 5,500 staff including 2,400 lawyers, the firm delivers collaborative, client-focused legal services. It values diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability commitments including net-zero targets, and a strong community orientation through pro bono work and charitable partnerships.

Equal Opportunity and Privacy Commitment

The firm is an equal opportunities employer, fostering a workplace free from discrimination and supportive of personal success for individuals from all backgrounds. Candidates can expect a fair interview process. A privacy notice outlines how personal data is collected, used, and protected.

Note: Job description details may be subject to changes in response to business needs.