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 exciting growth opportunity for an Senior Associate and Special Counsel to join our Commercial Insurance (Professional Indemnity) team in Melbourne.

About the team and the work

• This team defends claims made against a wide range of professionals with a focus on claims against both solicitors and barristers.

You will be working on policy coverage and defence of claims across all major insurance lines, particularly financial lines (including Directors & Officers (D&O) liability, management liability and professional indemnity), property (first and third party) and life insurance.

• Clients include major Australian and London market insurers, brokers and underwriters as well as multinational and national policy holders / insureds – including SMEs.
• You will have the opportunity to work alongside leading Australian insurance lawyers in a high performing, supportive and collaborative team environment.

What the market says

• Winner: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards - Insurance Team of the Year, 2022.
• Winner: Australasian Lawyer Australian Law Awards - Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year, 2022.
• Finalist: Australasian Lawyer Australian Law Awards - Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year, 2023.
• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards - Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year, 2024.
• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Law Firm of the Year, 2024.
• Winner: Australasian Lawyer - Law Firm of the Year, 2024.
• Recognised: The Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice, 2023, 2024 & 2025.

About you

• You will have at least 5+ years’ experience gained in a well-regarded Insurance practice.
• Experience in general liability and professional indemnity essential.
• Experience mentoring and deveoping junior team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability.

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 Nicole Garrett on +61 2 9260 2439

Please refer the Job description for details