• Own complex commercial matters end to end
• Advise industrial and engineering clients operating in high-risk environments
• Work autonomously within a high-trust, performance-driven firm
• Melbourne (Hybrid) | Circa $170,000 – $190,000 + Super (Negotiable for the Right Candidate)

Sharpe & Abel: The Firm We Built

Sharpe & Abel was established in 2012 to serve industrial, engineering and industrial technology businesses operating in demanding environments.

These organisations are responsible for complex systems, significant capital and real operational risk. Legal decisions in this context carry weight.

Our clients do not need theory. They need clarity, foresight and commercial alignment.

Competence is assumed. What differentiates our work is how it is delivered — anticipating issues early, aligning legal strategy with business reality, and reducing unnecessary friction.

We are evolving toward a more preventative, client-focused model. Where avoidable disputes arise after sustained engagement, that reflects on us. Our role is to bring structure and foresight so problems are addressed early.

Our distributed working model has been in place since inception, grounded in autonomy, personal standards and trust. It offers flexibility and expects maturity.

Designing Legal Strategy That Prevents, Not Reacts

This Senior Associate role works directly alongside the Managing Associate. It is a senior delivery role — outcome-driven and ownership-based.

Matters are progressed end to end. Risk is identified early. Strategy is shaped deliberately.

The role includes:

• Managing significant commercial and contractual matters from strategic framing through execution
• Identifying and mitigating risk before issues become disputes
• Aligning legal decisions with financial and operational realities
• Navigating corporate structures efficiently to maintain momentum
• Contributing to the refinement of systems and service delivery
• Strengthening team standards through example

Success means being relied upon — matters move forward, risk is reduced, and clients experience clarity rather than friction.

Operate at This Level

Senior-level commercial law capability is essential, together with strong grounding in contract and advisory work.

Accuracy is expected. Commercial judgement distinguishes performance.

This role requires:

• Responsibility for complex matters without close supervision
• Financial literacy, including interpreting financial statements and understanding business impact
• Structured thinking and deliberate analysis
• Sound judgement balancing legal precision with commercial pragmatism

Ownership is assumed. Initiative is expected. Escalation is rare.

This role suits someone who prefers shaping outcomes rather than simply responding to them.

Composure Under Complexity. Service Over Ego.

Our clients operate in high-pressure environments. Composure and sound judgement are critical.

We value:

• Accountability for outcomes
• Discipline in professional fundamentals, including technology, time recording and matter management
• Initiative in progressing work without unnecessary delay
• A commitment to continuous improvement

Work is advanced thoughtfully and thoroughly. Problems are addressed directly rather than escalated prematurely. Responsibility sits with the person closest to the matter.

This is a service business. Success is measured by whether the client’s broader objective is supported, not merely whether a document is technically correct.

The role requires outward focus — understanding commercial drivers, navigating organisational dynamics and engaging stakeholders early.

Our distributed model rewards professionals who operate independently while remaining aligned and communicative. It is not designed for constant supervision.

Where Your Judgement Matters

A competitive senior salary package commensurate with experience, together with:

• Flexible working arrangements within a high-trust framework
• Hybrid options, with Melbourne preferred and remote considered for an exceptional candidate
• Direct access to leadership and influence over service delivery
• Access to external training and mentoring support
• Long-term client relationships where judgement has visible commercial impact
• A values-led culture grounded in Competency, Love, Trust, Freedom and Security

This is an opportunity to operate at a genuinely senior level and contribute to the continued evolution of a firm focused on proactive, commercially aligned legal service.

If This Resonates

If ownership motivates you more than instruction,
If commercial clarity matters as much as legal precision,
If autonomy feels energising rather than daunting,

We invite you to apply.