Business Development Advisor - 12mth parental leave (Sydney or Melbourne) – Top tier law firm

This 12-month parental leave opportunity offers the chance to join a high-performing and collaborative team where you'll have a genuine impact on client growth, strategic pursuits and profile-raising initiatives You'll work alongside experienced BD professionals and market-leading partners while developing your expertise in a supportive and high-performing environment Backed by strong leadership and investment in innovation, we're proud to be recognised as the 2026 Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times Who are we? We are Mallesons. The top-tier independent firm from Australia, a full-service firm trusted on the most complex and consequential matters across our region and around the world. We’ve been part of Australia’s story for almost 200 years and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands and waters. Our independence gives us the flexibility to combine our extensive top tier full-service capability with the best advisers in every market. With deep expertise, collective judgment and genuine collaboration, we cut through complexity so our clients can move forward with confidence and make more happen. What’s involved? This is a 12-month parental leave opportunity for a Business Development Advisor to join our team. You’ll become part of our national Business Development & Marketing function, working alongside experienced BD professionals and some of the lawyers. Reporting to a Senior Client Relationship Manager, you will help drive client development and growth initiatives through market intelligence, client insights, and technology-enabled business development practices - while continuing to develop your expertise in a collaborative and high-performing environment. With flexibility to be Sydney or Melbourne based, and a balanced approach to WFH, key responsibilities will see you: Develop pitches, tenders, proposals, and other business development materials, including directories and awards submissions, using AI and technology to enhance efficiency and quality Support strategic pursuits and client development initiatives through commercially focused proposals, account planning, and opportunity identification Deliver client engagement and profile-raising initiatives, including thought leadership campaigns, events, and industry partnerships Conduct client, market, and competitor research to identify opportunities, emerging trends, and actionable insights Maintain client intelligence, pipeline reporting, and business development data to support decision-making and growth initiatives Who are we looking for? Our Business Development Advisors are known for their commercial mindset, collaborative approach, and commitment to exceptional client service. They build trusted relationships, combine attention to detail with commercial curiosity, and stay ahead of client, market, and industry developments. Continuous learning and professional growth are part of how they work. This is a hands-on role that requires excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence and engage effectively at all levels. You'll be naturally curious, proactive in asking the right questions, and driven to identify opportunities through market insights, client intelligence, and strategic thinking. You will bring: At least four years' experience in business development, marketing, or client development within a professional services environment Experience delivering pitches, proposals, tenders, client development initiatives, and profile-raising campaigns Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with partners, lawyers, and colleagues Excellent writing skills and experience developing client-facing and business development materials Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines Strong research and analytical skills and the ability to turn insights into action High attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work autonomously Experience using Microsoft Office, CRM platforms (preferably Salesforce) and business development systems Experience using AI and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and business development outcomes Next Steps Please click ‘Apply Now’ to apply online with your cover letter summarising why you’re applying and your resume to support your experience. Applications close COB AEST Monday 21st September 2026. If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Bridget on 02) 9296 3563. If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm in Australia. Why work with us? We build careers that go everywhere. Mallesons is a special place to work where anything is possible, ambitions are limitless and diversity and inclusion play an important role. It’s a place where you will collaborate with exceptional colleagues and clients , where you will sharpen your edge and support others to do the same, where you will make a difference you can be proud of . You will have access to a suite of wellbeing initiatives, benefits , policies and process that will support you to achieve your career goals. Together we learn. Together we master. Together we lead. Diversity and Inclusion Mallesons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, value, support and harness the positive benefits that people’s different life experiences bring, especially as they relate to gender, sexual identity, culture, faith, disability and life stages. If you are unsure if you meet all criteria for this role, but have a passion for delivering high quality work, developing your skills and realising your full potential, then we encourage you to apply and have a further conversation about how you could fit at Mallesons. We have a range of inclusive hiring practices – if you would like to seek workplace adjustments to complete your application please contact the Recruitment contact for this role or email careers@mallesons.com