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 opportunity for a Law Graduate to join our Commercial Insurance team in Canberra working closely with Partner, Shelley Leembruggen . Please note, applications will be reviewed after the 5th of January with interviews commencing from the 19th of January. About the team and the work The practice has a strong blue-chip client base and will give you access to a variety of challenging and complex matters. The team act on behalf of insurers, self-insured entities, and Government departments in a diverse range of public liability, historical abuse, Commonwealth workers’ compensation, and CTP claims. Being a litigation practice, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in both alternative dispute resolution and advocacy within the ACT and NSW Courts, ACAT, and the Administrative Review Tribunal. The team culture is collegiate, collaborative, and energetic with a focus on professional development and training. What the market says Recognised: Best Law Firms 2026 ranked by Best Lawyers - National Tier 1 Ranking for Insurance Law. Recognised: Best Law Firms 2026 Ranked by Best Lawyers – Tier 1 Government Practice, Canberra. 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. Recognised: Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025. About you You will have prior paralegal experience. Proven interest or experience in litigation. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail and organisational ability. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team. You will have graduated or be graduating in December 2025 and be able to start early 2026. What do we look for in our graduates? We look for 'all-rounders' who align with our culture and values and who demonstrate among other things exceptional interpersonal skills, energy and commerciality Previous experience as a paralegal, tip staff, summer clerk or voluntary legal experience highly regarded Engagement in extra-curricular pursuits as well as their studies, our graduates have often excelled at mooting, debating, team sports or student politics in addition to their studies Clear and concise written and verbal communication Above all you will be a team player At Sparke Helmore our people are our most valuable asset, so we make sure we look after them. The trust we place in our graduate lawyers will ensure that you won't get stuck doing repetitive tasks. You'll be an integral part of our team with high levels of responsibility and have genuine opportunities for career growth and development. 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. To find out more about what is on offer at Sparke Helmore please visit our website: Join us Join us - Graduates Graduate Brochure We believe the best stories are shared 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 Erin Tomicic on 61 2 6263 6355.
