About Us
Welcome to Barry Nilsson. For 60 years, we’ve been shaping a better experience for our clients and our people. What sets our firm apart is not just what we do, but who we are: a team known for its collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. As an award-winning national law firm, we’ve built a culture that empowers you to not only grow your career, but be your authentic self while you do it.

About the Team
Our national Insurance & Health practice combines deep industry knowledge with local expertise and the highest standards of client service. Our team of more than 200 specialist lawyers has the depth of experience and agility to help our clients, both in Australia and overseas, to navigate the complex risk landscape and support their insureds.

About The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Associate to join our Professional Indemnity team in Melbourne, working specifically within our Employment & Safety practice. This position offers hands‑on experience across diverse and high‑impact disputes, along with the chance to develop strong technical expertise in a supportive and collaborative team environment. There will also be the potential to work on a broader range of financial lines matters. We are open to candidates based interstate.

Some of the work you will be undertaking will involve:

• front end advisory and back-end litigation work covering the full spectrum of the workplace law including employment and industrial matters;
• a combination of acting for insurers, insureds and direct clients;
• advising and representing clients in respect to employment related claims, including but not limited to unfair dismissal, general protections, sexual harassment and discrimination;
• attending conciliation conferences and appearing in the Federal Court of Australia, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Fair Work Commission and as relevant State and Federal tribunals;
• advising clients on employment terms and conditions (including enterprise agreements, modern awards and other legislative entitlements);
• advising clients on performance management;
• reviewing and drafting enterprise agreements, settlement agreements, contracts of employment and policies and procedures; and
• assisting clients to defend occupational health and safety prosecutions, and matters involving other major regulators such as, the EPA, ASIC, ACCC, IBAC and the NHVR.

While this role is based in Melbourne (preferred), we're open to candidates located in our Sydney, Perth, or Brisbane office.

About you
If the following sounds like you, we would love to hear from you:

• you are an experienced practitioner (2-5 years PAE) in the employment law and/or occupational health and safety space, and ideally have exposure to insurance matters;
• you can efficiently manage your own file load;
• you enjoy building client relationships and achieving excellent outcomes; and
• you are a problem-solver who values collaboration and understands the importance of strong working relationships.

Benefits of Working with Us
Just to name a few, we have:

• been acknowledged as an ‘Employer of Choice’ for the last 7 years;
• a supportive environment where managers genuinely care about your wellbeing;
• opportunities for structured mentorship and continuous professional development;
• progressive policies for flexible working arrangements including a 9.5-day fortnight, working from home, purchase of leave options and a public holiday swap policy;
• an annual performance bonus scheme designed to recognise and reward strong performance;
• a relaxed office environment where you can “Dress for your Day”;
• access to our Health & Wellbeing program, BNWell, which supports the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of our people including a yearly health & wellbeing allowance and a health & wellbeing leave day;
• a shared care parental leave policy offering 26 weeks of paid leave with no primary/secondary carer distinction; and
• support to undertake pro bono legal work, secondments, volunteering and industry appointments.

Ready to Go Further?
From your first day, expect to be embraced for who you are – because we’re a firm defined by our people. Step into a workplace where individuality is celebrated, ambitions are realised, and collaboration drives success. At Barry Nilsson, it’s about being you and going further. Apply today.

To make a confidential application, please click ‘Apply Now’ and address your application to Lulu Schneiders, People & Culture Adviser.

Barry Nilsson is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace where all of our people are supported to be their authentic selves, valued for their unique contributions, rewarded fairly, connected to colleagues, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+, as well as people of all ages, genders, abilities and cultures. Feel free to chat to the recruiter for this position regarding any accommodations or adjustments you may require to the role or the recruitment process to ensure your equitable participation.

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