Careers at Nicholas James Lawyers
We are a suburban firm with the depth of a much larger one. If you want real responsibility early, direct client contact, and work that matters to people in your own community, we would like to hear from you.
Why build your career here
Our story began in Essendon in 2014 and has grown into state-of-the-art offices in the heart of Moonee Ponds, giving us a vibrant base for meaningful work. At Nicholas James Lawyers, we service people, not just clients, so every matter feels like guiding a neighbour with compassion and expertise.
Working here means building relationships, not just case files, and really seeing the people behind their legal challenges. With our presence in Moonee Ponds and Sunbury, we live local, think big, and help secure the best possible outcomes for our community.
Current opportunities
Senior Associate Lawyer – Dispute Resolution
Melbourne · Hybrid · Full time
We are looking for a talented Senior Associate Lawyer with 3+ years of experience in Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation to join our team. Wills & Estates experience is highly regarded. Make a genuine impact at Nicholas James Lawyers. We are a rapidly growing firm with a community-first approach and new state-of-the-art offices in Melbourne.
The role
We are looking for a Senior Associate to take a leading role in our growing Dispute Resolution practice. You will run your own file load with a high degree of autonomy, from initial advice through to resolution, and work closely with our Wills & Estates team on contested estate matters.
Your work will include:
• Managing a varied disputes practice, including commercial disputes, debt recovery, contract and property disputes
• Acting in contested estate matters, including family provision (Part IV) claims, will validity challenges and executor or trustee disputes
• Preparing court documents and appearing in or instructing on matters in Magistrates', County and Supreme Courts / VCAT
• Negotiating settlements and representing clients at mediation
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff
• Maintaining and growing your own referral network, and contributing to business development for the Dispute Resolution and Wills & Estates practices
About you
• 3+ years' post-admission experience in dispute resolution or litigation
• Experience in contested Wills & Estates matters is highly regarded
• Current Victorian practising certificate
• Strong drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills
• Confident managing your own practice and client relationships
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support junior team members
Career growth & specialisation
• Ongoing professional development and paid opportunities for specialisation
• Attractive salary: competitive remuneration aligned with your experience and leadership
• Lead and inspire: coordinate and mentor a team of junior lawyers while developing your practice area
• Work/life balance: we believe that high-quality delivery includes maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all our employees
• Modern environment: work from our new, state-of-the-art office in Moonee Ponds
• People-first culture: we foster a supportive, collaborative, and client-focused environment
• Community connection: join a firm that is a trusted part of the local community and a proud sponsor of local organisations
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply on LinkedIn, or send your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role to hr@njlawyers.com.au.
Senior Associate Lawyer – Family Law
Greater Melbourne · Hybrid · Full time
We are looking for a talented Senior Associate Lawyer with 3+ years of experience in Family Law to join our team. Make a genuine impact at Nicholas James Lawyers. We are a rapidly growing firm with a community-first approach and new state-of-the-art offices in Melbourne.
The opportunity
This is more than a job. It is a chance to shape the future of our firm. You will manage a diverse range of family law matters, provide tailored legal advice, and represent clients in court. The role involves drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, instructing counsel where required, and collaborating closely with other legal professionals.
You will have regular client contact, conduct in-depth case research, and stay up to date with developments in family law. You will not only guide clients through their most challenging moments but also mentor junior lawyers and contribute to our growth through strategic business development.
About you
You are an experienced lawyer with a minimum of 3 years PAE and a current Victorian practising certificate. You have a proven track record in:
• Managing family law cases end-to-end, including advice, negotiation, and litigation
• Drafting legal documents and correspondence with accuracy and attention to detail
• Appearing in court and instructing counsel as necessary
• Negotiating settlements and delivering practical, client-focused solutions
• Supervising and guiding junior lawyers to support their professional growth
• Maintaining effective client relationships and clear communication throughout matters
Career growth & specialisation
• Ongoing professional development and paid opportunities for specialisation
• Attractive salary: competitive remuneration aligned with your experience and leadership
• Lead and inspire: coordinate and mentor a team of junior lawyers while developing your practice area
• Work/life balance: we believe that high-quality delivery includes maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all our employees
• Modern environment: work from our new, state-of-the-art office in Moonee Ponds
• People-first culture: we foster a supportive, collaborative, and client-focused environment
• Community connection: join a firm that is a trusted part of the local community and a proud sponsor of local organisations
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply on LinkedIn, or send your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role to hr@njlawyers.com.au.