Associate – Corporate Commercial Lawyer

About Sharpe & Abel

We are Sharpe & Abel, a law and strategy firm built for the people who make, build, design, and service the complex systems that keep the world running. Since 2012, we have specialised in supporting industrial, engineering, and technical companies across the Asia-Pacific region, helping them scale, transform, export, and thrive. Our model combines the precision of private practice with the commercial insight of in-house counsel, giving our clients practical legal solutions that work in the real world.

Our culture is grounded in five core values : Competency , Love , Trust , Freedom , and Security . These values guide everything we do : striving for the right answer over being right, caring deeply about clients and colleagues, keeping our promises, working flexibly and responsibly, and continually sharpening our skills to stay confident and secure in our craft.

About the Opportunity

We’re seeking an Associate to join our close-knit delivery team, reporting to our Managing Associate . This is a non-contentious commercial and corporate role , focused on complex contracts, major projects, and strategic client relationships.

You’ll work on significant matters across industries including construction, industrial technology, infrastructure, and engineering , helping clients achieve practical, commercially sound outcomes. You’ll also mentor junior lawyers, manage high-value projects, and contribute to a transparent, collaborative team culture that values excellence, autonomy, and service.

This role is based in Melbourne with a flexible hybrid work model . While we are ideally seeking someone local who can collaborate in person with the team, we may consider a remote arrangement for an exceptional candidate.

About You

You are a commercially astute lawyer who loves solving complex problems for business clients. You combine deep legal knowledge with a pragmatic, service-oriented mindset, and you care more about finding the right solution than being the one who’s right.

To succeed, you’ll bring :

• Post-admission experience (PAE) in commercial or corporate law
• A current unrestricted Practising Certificate or eligibility to hold same
• A strong grounding in contract law and comfort working with large, detailed agreements
• Experience advising corporate clients and managing competing priorities with confidence
• The ability to balance legal precision with practical, business-minded judgement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to varied audiences

Highly regarded :

• Experience across both private practice and in-house environments
• Familiarity with clients in industrial, engineering, or infrastructure sectors
• Understanding of long-term, partnership-based client relationships rather than transactional engagements

As our ideal candidate, you understand that law is a service business, not just a profession. You are commercially minded, calm under pressure, and comfortable navigating ambiguity. You work collaboratively, support your colleagues, and bring a sense of shared purpose to your work. Above all, you act with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to doing what’s right.

About the Benefits

We’re offering a competitive salary package of $180,000–$200,000 inclusive of superannuation.

Additional benefits include :

• Relocation assistance for interstate or Commonwealth-qualified international hires
• Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements (Melbourne-based preferred; remote considered for the right candidate)
• Full technology setup, including laptop, mobile phone, and home office support
• Corporate Uber account for client meetings and business travel
• Regular internal legal education sessions and team development initiatives
• A small, transparent team culture that values autonomy, honesty, and shared success
• Flat structure with direct access to leadership and visibility into firm performance
• Clients who are capable, successful, and genuinely rewarding to work with
• A workplace where integrity is the norm, not the exception
• A dynamic and inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration and innovation