Why Sparke Helmore?
As an independent Australian firm with a long history and a big heart, we have a rich story to tell. Our spirit is built on the power of relationships with our people, clients and communities.
At Sparke Helmore, you’ll be actively involved as part of a diverse, genuine and friendly team. We’ll help you harness your ambition and take your skills to new heights with exposure to outstanding clients and easy access to exceptional leaders and mentors.
Your story is yours to define. We’d like to be part of it and for you to be part of ours.
We have an opportunity for an Associate to Senior Associate to join our Government Commercial team in Sydney.

About the team and the work

• You will be working with partners Phillip Salem and Simon Lewis. Phillip is a highly respected government lawyer and was instrumental in the development of our market-leading government practice. Phillip has returned to practice following two terms as our firm’s National Managing Partner. Simon is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with experience advising all levels of government.
• Our national team provides commercial advice to all levels of government and public bodies such as universities, supporting the delivery of policy and services to the community through engagement with the market. The work of our team spans complex procurement, corporate transactions and major projects, inquiries and broader governance advisory matters.
• Phillip and Simon are primarily focusing on building our government commercial practice in Sydney and there is an excellent opportunity for talented lawyers to grow with the practice, through intensive mentorship and professional development from leading lawyers who are looking to invest in the next generation.
• We are focussed on the development of our team; you will receive intensive guidance and mentorship and you will have opportunities to help develop less senior members of the team.
• You will periodically have the opportunity to develop your skills working onsite with clients when strategic secondment opportunities arise.
• This team is a part of a full-service national law firm and draws on expertise from our colleagues in other offices and other practice areas.

What the market says

• Our Partners are consistently ranked in the AFR’s Australian Best Lawyers list for Government, including the most recent 2024 rankings.
• The Australasian Lawyer, 5-Star Employer of Choice, 2023 & 2024
• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Law Firm of the Year, 2024

About you

• You will have 4-8 years’ post admission experience in commercial or public law gained in a leading private or government legal practice. Previous experience with government procurement processes will be highly regarded.
• You will have exceptional technical aptitude and attention to detail, a genuine interest and curiosity about government and an instinctive regard for the public interest.
• You will be open to working both on secondment and in-firm work and have had exposure to the government procurement process, from either side.
• You will need to be an Australian citizen and be eligible and willing to apply to hold a security clearance issued by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency at NV1 level.

What Sparke Helmore can offer you
Our culture is one which values and celebrates diversity to better represent the communities in which we live and work. We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us - and bring their whole selves to work.
We recognise people value things differently. That’s why our comprehensive benefits program is wide ranging so that everyone can find something that appeals to them. We’re sure you will find something to love about what Sparke Helmore has to offer.
Background Screening: Successful applications will be subject to pre-employment and in some circumstances, ongoing background checks which include a criminal history check.
For further information regarding this opportunity please contact Nikki Costelloe on +61 2 4924 7307

Please refer the Job description for details