Job Description
We are a modern Australian law firm with a leading reputation. We focus on exceptional service, operational excellence and being at the forefront of employee experience. We work closely with Australian and international businesses, organisations and governments.
About the role
We are currently looking for a capable and experienced Associate or Senior Associate with at least 3 years' post qualification experience to join the Public Law team in our growing Canberra office, with a focus on probity, governance, and process.
This is a great opportunity to develop your practice further and join a supportive and enthusiastic two partner team that is based across our Melbourne and Canberra offices. Most of the work will involve advising Commonwealth government clients on probity and commercial issues arising in major projects, procurement and contracting processes, grants administration, and corporate and public sector governance matters.
We are not only looking for someone who is wanting to work collaboratively with partners and other team members but who is focused on providing pragmatic, commercial, solutions-focussed probity advice to senior leaders within government on a range of interesting, high-profile projects. We also want that person to oversee the work of more junior members of the team and take on responsibility for managing client relationships and their ongoing work needs.
The role can be based in Canberra or Melbourne.
About you
We are looking for a practitioner who ideally:
has sound technical legal/contract drafting and statutory interpretation skills obtained through experience in one or more of the following areas of law: commercial law, administrative law, dispute resolution and litigation, general public law
thrives in a fast-paced environment, working on a variety of complex, sensitive, interesting and nation-building projects at any one time
has at least 3-5 years’ experience advising clients and helping solve problems, preferably as a lawyer within the public sector or working with government clients
enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to a team environment
has, or has the ability to obtain quickly, a strong understanding of probity, integrity in the public sector, and governance principles applicable in procurement, grants and other spending processes
You must be enthusiastic and willing to work on a range of matters, have a keen eye for detail, good communication and interpersonal skills and can demonstrate sound matter management.
You will need to be able to gain the trust and confidence of our clients, bring a level-headed and strategic perspective to problem-solving. A positive and facilitative ‘can do’ attitude
Why join Maddocks?
Maddocks is simply a great place to do what matters to you. We foster a culture of collaboration, learning and engagement where you will experience:
A diverse and inclusive workplace: We have been named an employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workforce Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) every year since 2004 along with being named a Silver Employer at the Australian Workplace Equality Index's 2026 LGBTQ Inclusion Awards. We promote diversity internally through our Maddocks Gender Equality Network, Maddocks CALD, Maddocks Disability Inclusion and Maddocks Pride groups.
Career Development: Learn and develop through structured learning and development programs at each stage of your career and study support programs.
Community involvement: give back to the communities in which we operate through our thriving pro bono and grants programs and staff volunteering initiatives.
Work flexibly: work in a hybrid way with part of your week in the office and support to set up your home office.
Wellbeing & Benefits: access to up to 20 weeks paid parental leave, discounted gym memberships & health insurance, salary continuance insurance, Employee Assistance Program and parents and carers wellbeing programs.
Our people are our greatest advocates and we believe this is a result of our inclusive culture and focus on complex and interesting work.
To be eligible for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. Please note that unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered at this time.
Ready for your next career move?
As part of our commitment to protecting your privacy, your application information will only be retained for a period of 24 months after the submission of your application. After this period, your Maddocks job seeker profile will remain active, however all application details will be permanently deleted from Big Red Sky. Should you wish to delete your job seeker profile, you can do so in your account settings (under the 'Change Login' menu option).
About the role
We are currently looking for a capable and experienced Associate or Senior Associate with at least 3 years' post qualification experience to join the Public Law team in our growing Canberra office, with a focus on probity, governance, and process.
This is a great opportunity to develop your practice further and join a supportive and enthusiastic two partner team that is based across our Melbourne and Canberra offices. Most of the work will involve advising Commonwealth government clients on probity and commercial issues arising in major projects, procurement and contracting processes, grants administration, and corporate and public sector governance matters.
We are not only looking for someone who is wanting to work collaboratively with partners and other team members but who is focused on providing pragmatic, commercial, solutions-focussed probity advice to senior leaders within government on a range of interesting, high-profile projects. We also want that person to oversee the work of more junior members of the team and take on responsibility for managing client relationships and their ongoing work needs.
The role can be based in Canberra or Melbourne.
About you
We are looking for a practitioner who ideally:
has sound technical legal/contract drafting and statutory interpretation skills obtained through experience in one or more of the following areas of law: commercial law, administrative law, dispute resolution and litigation, general public law
thrives in a fast-paced environment, working on a variety of complex, sensitive, interesting and nation-building projects at any one time
has at least 3-5 years’ experience advising clients and helping solve problems, preferably as a lawyer within the public sector or working with government clients
enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to a team environment
has, or has the ability to obtain quickly, a strong understanding of probity, integrity in the public sector, and governance principles applicable in procurement, grants and other spending processes
You must be enthusiastic and willing to work on a range of matters, have a keen eye for detail, good communication and interpersonal skills and can demonstrate sound matter management.
You will need to be able to gain the trust and confidence of our clients, bring a level-headed and strategic perspective to problem-solving. A positive and facilitative ‘can do’ attitude
Why join Maddocks?
Maddocks is simply a great place to do what matters to you. We foster a culture of collaboration, learning and engagement where you will experience:
A diverse and inclusive workplace: We have been named an employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workforce Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) every year since 2004 along with being named a Silver Employer at the Australian Workplace Equality Index's 2026 LGBTQ Inclusion Awards. We promote diversity internally through our Maddocks Gender Equality Network, Maddocks CALD, Maddocks Disability Inclusion and Maddocks Pride groups.
Career Development: Learn and develop through structured learning and development programs at each stage of your career and study support programs.
Community involvement: give back to the communities in which we operate through our thriving pro bono and grants programs and staff volunteering initiatives.
Work flexibly: work in a hybrid way with part of your week in the office and support to set up your home office.
Wellbeing & Benefits: access to up to 20 weeks paid parental leave, discounted gym memberships & health insurance, salary continuance insurance, Employee Assistance Program and parents and carers wellbeing programs.
Our people are our greatest advocates and we believe this is a result of our inclusive culture and focus on complex and interesting work.
To be eligible for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. Please note that unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered at this time.
Ready for your next career move?
As part of our commitment to protecting your privacy, your application information will only be retained for a period of 24 months after the submission of your application. After this period, your Maddocks job seeker profile will remain active, however all application details will be permanently deleted from Big Red Sky. Should you wish to delete your job seeker profile, you can do so in your account settings (under the 'Change Login' menu option).
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Associate / Senior Associate - Probity, Governance and Process position is now open for candidates interested in the Back Office Jobs sector. This role in Australian Capital Territory offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Back Office Jobs is a plus.
