As an emerging practice area expert or skilled broad practitioner, you are highly sought after. Depending on your ambitions, taking on more responsibility often happens here.
Requirements
Associates need to have:
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB), completed Professional Legal Studies course and a current Practicing Certificate
Have a reliable and practiced skillset that can be put under pressure
Can direct and delegate to juniors, leads by example
Developing business development and leaderships skills
Day to day
Associates may do some or all of the following:
Give legal advice to clients, including families, businesses and individuals
Research and study details of the law and examine legal arguments
Prepare legal documents depending on their practice area, for review by a Supervisor if required
Prepare and manage communication for clients, third parties and governing bodies
Handle clients' confidential information, represent them to the best of your ability, and charge them fairly
Appear in court, sometimes running own files
Salary
The range for Associates follows the Senior Solicitors because usually they are the most in-demand, but larger variance in the bottom and top end.
Top Tier, Large National Practice = $95 - 130,000 per annum
Large National = $90 - 125,000 per annum
Local Mid-tier = $80 - 100,000 per annum
Opportunities
Associates:
with 5+ years of experience and some overseas travel or experience, your profile is usually high in demand
If your skill set matches your experience and the client is impressed, normally a higher salary can be negotiated
Demonstrate leadership qualities and technical prowess in pursuit of the next step up
