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Sparke Helmore Lawyers

4.2
  • 500 - 1,000 employees

Sparke Helmore Lawyers Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Law

Why Sparke Helmore?

We're a firm where you can reach your true potential.

Because we are interested, we take the time to get to know you. We want to know about your hopes and aspirations and what your concerns might be as you navigate your career and balance work and life. It's how we help you reach your true potential.

In joining Sparke Helmore, you will join a firm that values everyone's opinions. That's why we have structured feedback programs and informal conversations to find out how we can keep making our firm the best it can be. In fact, in our last engagement survey, our people told us that our managers are great at building teams, providing recognition, valuing contribution and being responsive.

We want to be a market-leading Australian professional services business that our clients choose for outstanding people, legal expertise and our ability to connect. It's important to us and we expect you if you decide to become a part of the team at Sparke Helmore, to want to be part of that vision too. It's about working together with each other and with our clients, who are at the heart of everything we do.

We think that's why we get interesting work from great clients, clients who have been with us for many years and love working with us as much as we value working with them. Many of them are household names including ASX 100 companies, international insurers and other multinationals, and large government departments and agencies.

We have a long history of growth and we've survived and thrived since opening our doors for business in 1882 – through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Global Financial Crisis and now COVID-19. We're confident we will continue to thrive for years to come because we know how to weather the toughest of storms.

Recruitment Process

Firstly, we'll ask you to complete an online application form and attach a cover letter, your CV and academic transcripts. 

Once we've reviewed your CV, we'll let you know if you will be invited to attend an interview. For most roles we do two rounds of interviews – the first one will be with a member of the team who is hiring, plus a member of our Talent Acquisition team. At this stage we want to get to know you, so we'll talk to you about your CV, what you like to do in your spare time and your studies. We'll also tell you about the role and the team, plus what it's like to work for our firm. We'd love to answer any questions you might have about Sparke Helmore, so don't be afraid to ask!

We then invite successful candidates to attend a second-round interview. This will be with a senior member of our business who you might work alongside. They will go into a bit more detail about your interests and studies, but they will also be really happy to answer your questions so again, please ask anything you want to know!

The selection criteria

Our people are key to our success. We are always on the lookout for people with the potential to progress, who fit with our culture and align with our values, and who demonstrate, among other things, intelligence, interpersonal skills, commitment, energy and commerciality.

Remuneration & Career Growth

What we can offer you?

Each role is different and we'll have open and honest conversations with you about remuneration throughout the interview process. We also offer:

  • Refreshed and simplified career development programs specifically designed for your career goals.
  • Paid personal leave, including annual, parental and carer's leave. Salary continuance for both full time and part-time employees.
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Access to modernised and mobile-friendly Employee Wellness Program.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.2
Overall score based on 9 reviews
They Score Best in…
9.1
Culture
8.6
Management
9.2
Recruitment
8.4
Work Hours
9.1
Culture
8.6
Management
9.2
Recruitment
8.4
Work Hours
What Graduates Say About Them
  • People and culture - almost everyone is very down to earth and genuine. Always happy to help out when needed. Flexibility is also great in terms of working from home/ in the office. My team specifically is very hands off which I thoroughly enjoy as it feels that I am trusted to do my work independently.
  • I have found Sparkes to be an inclusive, collaborative and innovative company, creating an enjoyable and motivating work environment. I'm surrounded by interesting, authentic colleagues and leaders, and am feel incredibly lucky to be part of an amazing graduate cohort who quickly became a supportive and tightly-knit group this year.
  • My colleagues are very knowledgeable but equally down to earth and approachable. They are great at finding and offering me opportunities for professional development. I have a great network of graduates with whom I can lean on for support and enjoy social time.
  • The people are the best part about Sparkes, especially the professional indemnity team. Everyone is kind and helpful, and there is so many opportunities to learn and grow. It makes such a difference. I've been at another law firm in the past and it was a breath of fresh air to not be in a toxic environment. Even though there is always alot of work to do, everyone works together as a team which helps to alleviate feelings of stress and strengthen the feeling of being supported.
  • The culture and people!
  • Like any job in law, there are stressful periods at Sparkes when managing deadlines and dealing with clients, however I have always found every one to be very supportive and understanding, particularly during the graduate program where there is a genuine appreciation of the fact that we are still learning.
  • The salary is on the low side compared to other firms and there are some resourcing issues.
  • Dissatisfaction with pay is a common complaint
  • I can't really identify any drawbacks to be honest. I've had a really positive experience. If I had to pick something, I would say and this is not something I have experienced, but I know in some other teams, there are periods where people will have to stay back late - although this happens on occasion and not usual. I think Sparkes is very good at accommodating and promoting a balanced lifestyle which is what many students are after.
  • The pay is lower than other firms.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Upper Hunter
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
G
General Skills & Pathways
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Graduate Job

Sydney
Our 2024/2025 Program offers graduates a challenging and rewarding way to kick start their legal career.
Applications Close
7 Apr 2024
Start Date
3 Feb 2025
Salary
AUD 75,000 - 80,000 / Year

Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
Interacting with clients is something that can take some time in certain areas of law, so being able to do so as a graduate has been a really rewarding experience.

Robert Fraser

  • Graduate stories
Interacting with clients is something that can take some time in certain areas of law, so being able to do so as a graduate has been a really rewarding experience.

Robert Fraser

  • Graduate stories
Working at Sparke Helmore places you in a situation where you are surrounded by amazing legal professionals who are experts in their field.

Nicola Aristides

  • Graduate stories
Working at Sparke Helmore places you in a situation where you are surrounded by amazing legal professionals who are experts in their field.

Nicola Aristides

  • Graduate stories
Interacting with clients is something that can take some time in certain areas of law, so being able to do so as a graduate has been a really rewarding experience.

Robert Fraser

  • Graduate stories
Interacting with clients is something that can take some time in certain areas of law, so being able to do so as a graduate has been a really rewarding experience.

Robert Fraser

  • Graduate stories
Working at Sparke Helmore places you in a situation where you are surrounded by amazing legal professionals who are experts in their field.

Nicola Aristides

  • Graduate stories
Working at Sparke Helmore places you in a situation where you are surrounded by amazing legal professionals who are experts in their field.

Nicola Aristides


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Georgie Martin

Today I have the opportunity to attend an informal settlement conference with one of the Senior Associates in my team. These are a really good opportunity to see the parties in action, and it’s great when a settlement is reached.
  • Day in the life

Georgie Martin

Today I have the opportunity to attend an informal settlement conference with one of the Senior Associates in my team. These are a really good opportunity to see the parties in action, and it’s great when a settlement is reached.
  • Day in the life

Tutti Copping

It’s always an exciting opportunity to meet with the client face-to-face. I take notes while the associate and partner I am working closely with discuss the issues with the client.
  • Day in the life

Tutti Copping

It’s always an exciting opportunity to meet with the client face-to-face. I take notes while the associate and partner I am working closely with discuss the issues with the client.
  • Day in the life

Georgie Martin

Today I have the opportunity to attend an informal settlement conference with one of the Senior Associates in my team. These are a really good opportunity to see the parties in action, and it’s great when a settlement is reached.
  • Day in the life

Georgie Martin

Today I have the opportunity to attend an informal settlement conference with one of the Senior Associates in my team. These are a really good opportunity to see the parties in action, and it’s great when a settlement is reached.
  • Day in the life

Tutti Copping

It’s always an exciting opportunity to meet with the client face-to-face. I take notes while the associate and partner I am working closely with discuss the issues with the client.
  • Day in the life

Tutti Copping

It’s always an exciting opportunity to meet with the client face-to-face. I take notes while the associate and partner I am working closely with discuss the issues with the client.

Videos


Sparke Helmore Graduate Program

The Sparke Helmore Graduate Program is a challenging and rewarding way to kick-start your legal career. Learn about the program from our team.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

We’ve come a long way since our doors first opened in the Hunter in 1882. We’ve had an office in Sydney since the ‘60s and we recently opened our ninth office in Darwin.

Sparke Helmore Graduate Program

The Sparke Helmore Graduate Program is a challenging and rewarding way to kick-start your legal career. Learn about the program from our team.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

We’ve come a long way since our doors first opened in the Hunter in 1882. We’ve had an office in Sydney since the ‘60s and we recently opened our ninth office in Darwin.