Senior Associate, Technology, Data & IP Transactions

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas. We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world. All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition The Opportunity We are looking for a Senior Associate to join our market-leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT), Data and IP Transactions team in Melbourne. Our Melbourne team is long-established, and one of the largest and most successful “stand-alone” TMT Data and IP practices in the Australian market. We form a critical part of our firm’s global practice. Operating on a “one team” mindset, lawyers in our Melbourne TMT Data and IP team work not only across the Melbourne team but routinely as part of integrated project teams with colleagues around Australia. We also frequently work with TMT Data and IP colleagues across APAC, UK, France, Germany and the USA. This includes the Australian end of global deals but more often than not our Melbourne team are leading projects and managing client relationships with are truly global. We are indeed a Melbourne based global technology transactions practice. In Melbourne, our TMT Data and IP practice spans the full spectrum of technology and data transactions, digital transformations, digital infrastructure, outsourcing (tech and business process), IP commercialisation, data (commercialisation, advisory and governance), privacy, cyber and information security, AI and emerging technologies, and a wide range of strategic sourcing and broader commercial transactions (often with an innovation element). While not our primary focus, we also play a critical role with our M&A colleagues supporting them delivering technology, IP, cyber, privacy and data separation aspects of acquisitions and divestments. This affords our lawyers the opportunity to work with broader Corporate and Projects colleagues playing a critical role on many market defining corporate and infrastructure transactions. We are a “customer centric” practice in that we generally represent leading Australian, regional and global corporations rather than technology or software vendors. Our practice services clients across all sectors. However, we have a particular focus on the global mining & resources, energy, financial services, telecommunications and consumer sectors. We’d love to tell you more about our key clients – many of whom we have represented for a very long time. What you’ll do Advise on, draft and negotiate a wide range of technology, data and digital transformation transactions, including core technology transformations, digital infrastructure mandates, software development, licensing and support arrangements, SaaS/cloud projects, hyperscale infrastructure, network, telco and infrastructure roll-outs, systems integration projects and managed services arrangements. Help our clients capture the benefits of and deploy AI solutions and technologies. Work on large‑scale outsourcing (BPO and ITO), sourcing and transformation programs, often with cross‑border and multi‑jurisdictional elements. Undertake IP licensing and commercial transactions, and R&D and other innovation projects. Draft and negotiate a wide range of complex commercial transactions documents and major sourcing deals. Support and advise clients on data, privacy, information security, cyber security, IOT and AI, as well as emerging technology matters, including governance and risk management. Help global mining houses with all aspects of operational mining from global programs to asset specific projects around the world – from strategic sourcing to mine automation. This includes drafting and negotiating high value transactions relating to heavy mining equipment, mine site technology and automation projects, industrial systems and technologies, and supply chain more broadly. Deliver the transformation of energy grids through the use and deployment of technology (including IT and OT) and help our energy retailer clients respond to the changing market dynamics. Help our clients in the retail and consumer sectors deploy and adopt IT and OT – from classic technology systems to AI powered solutions and smart new automated warehouse facilities. Work on the intersection of technology and financial services – for local banks and funds as well as well know global institutions. Advise on the technology, data, IP and more broadly separation aspects on complex M&A transactions, restructures, separations and carve‑outs. Broaden your knowledge and expertise by becoming a technology, data and IP transactions lawyer who calls Melbourne home but has a global workplace. Work directly with partners, of counsel and clients, contributing to the delivery of strategic advice, client relationship development and our thought leadership initiatives within the practice. Collaborate with colleagues across practice groups. Play a key role in training, developing and mentoring junior lawyers across the team. What you’ll bring Admission to practice as a lawyer in Australia or New Zealand. Experience as a Senior Associate in a leading private practice firm or in-house legal team. Demonstrated experience in at-scale technology transactions, technology transformations, digital infrastructure, outsourcing, strategic sourcing, data commercialisation, privacy, the commercialisation of IP, and/or telecommunications transactions. You will be expert at drafting and negotiating transactions documents in these areas. Excellent drafting, analytical and negotiation skills, with strong attention to detail. A collaborative, commercial and pragmatic approach to legal problem‑solving, with the ability to communicate complex advice clearly. An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies. A genuine interest in sharing expertise to help develop others and fostering an inclusive culture. A deep interest in our clients and commitment to always providing an excellent client experience. What you can expect from us We’re a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 6,000 professionals across 26 offices. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions. We are a long established and highly regarded, large and “stand-alone” global TMT Data and IP practice. We are market leading in Australia and a critical part of the HSF Kramer technology transactions global practice. We have a client focussed, global mindset. We live in Melbourne but target, work for and lead relationships with clients globally. We truly are a Melbourne based global practice. We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you. We want to make you the best technology data and IP transactions lawyer you can be. We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals. We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you’ll have it and we’ll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control. For more benefits on offer such as our holistic wellbeing fund or home office allowance please click here . Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia’s market leading law firm. We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding. Apply now with your resume and academic transcript, or contact Carissa Bartels, Recruitment Manager ( ) for a confidential discussion. Team Corporate Working Pattern Full time Location Melbourne Contract type Permanent Contract Diversity & Inclusion We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.