Overview
Principal Lawyer Jobs in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia at TFA Legal
Title: Principal Lawyer
Company: TFA Legal
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Company Description
TFA Legal is a values-driven, mission-led Australian law firm delivering expert legal services through a trauma-informed, holistic approach. We understand the significant emotional impact legal processes can have, particularly for clients experiencing family disputes, coercive control, and systemic injustice. Supporting individuals in Australia’s “missing middle”—those ineligible for legal aid yet unable to afford traditional representation—we combine legal expertise with psychological and wellbeing support to ensure clients feel genuinely cared for at every stage. Our multidisciplinary team of lawyers and registered counsellors works collaboratively to guide clients through complex challenges toward better outcomes. At TFA Legal, we are committed to integrity, compassion, and reshaping how legal services are delivered in Australia.
Role Description
This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Melbourne, VIC, with flexibility for some remote work. As Principal Lawyer, you will provide strategic legal leadership, manage complex and sensitive matters, and represent clients primarily in family law.
You will deliver clear, practical advice on legal rights and obligations, draft and negotiate legal documents, and work closely with social workers and counsellors to provide a trauma-informed, client-centered service. Ensuring clients feel supported throughout the legal process will be central to your approach.
In addition, you will lead and mentor junior lawyers, maintain high standards of casework quality, and contribute to the firm’s commitment to delivering fair and equitable outcomes.
This role suits a proactive, commercially astute lawyer who demonstrates strong integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to developing people and driving team performance.
What you’ll do:
- Lead, mentor, and develop our high-performing legal team.
- Provide structured feedback and development plans for team members.
- Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice across family, commercial, employment, and compliance matters.
- Proactively manage business and legal risk while supporting firm growth initiatives.
- Implement and monitor policies and processes to maintain compliance standards.
- Support business growth initiatives while balancing legal risk and opportunity.
- Deliver legal services while ensuring clients feel supported and understood throughout potentially stressful processes.
- Contribute to process improvement and client service initiatives.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
What we’re looking for:
- Experienced Australian lawyer with 8+ years in senior legal roles.
- Strong commercial acumen and proactive approach to legal and business challenges.
- Commitment to team development and fostering a culture of growth and accountability.
- Ability to meet and exceed minimum billable hours target
Why join TFA Legal?
- Be part of a firm that integrates legal expertise with trauma-informed, client-focused care.
- Shape the future of a collaborative, high-performing team.
- Work in an environment that values integrity, proactivity, and professional growth.
KPIs & Success Measures:
- Achieve minimum billable hours annually.
- Ensure 100% compliance with regulatory and statutory obligations.
- Mentor and develop team members with measurable improvements in skills and performance.
- Provide timely, commercially focused legal advice that supports business outcomes.
- Deliver legal services with empathy, ensuring clients feel supported and cared for throughout the process.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help TFA Legal continue to deliver exceptional legal solutions with integrity, insight, and care.
