Senior Associate to Special Counsel, Insurance

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 Senior Associate or Special Counsel to join our Insurance team in Perth working with Partners, Rani Aria Retnam and Sue Wilkinson.

About the team and the work

• You will collaborate closely with highly regarded Partners and lead complex matters for employers and insurers, providing strategic advice on workers compensation disputes and broader risk management initiatives.

• This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of high-value files, mentor junior lawyers, and contribute to the development of best-practice strategies within a high-performing team.

• Ideal for an experienced practitioner seeking to leverage their expertise within a national firm that values leadership, innovation, and genuine investment in its people.

What the market says

• Recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2026 for Insurance Law, Litigation, and Personal Injury Litigation

• Listed in Doyle’s Guide, Leading Workers Compensation Lawyer (Defendant), 2025

• Standout Winner – 5-Star Employer of Choice (Employee Experience and Wellbeing), 2025

• Ranked 16th in Lawyers Weekly’s Top 25 Attraction Firms, 2025

About you

• Experienced lawyer with 5+ years PQE from a reputable firm, ideally with a strong defendant focus; plaintiff experience will be considered where transferable skills are demonstrated.

• Proven expertise in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters, with the ability to provide strategic advice and manage teams on complex matters.

• Exceptional drafting and analytical skills, coupled with a meticulous attention to detail and the ability to deliver commercially sound solutions.

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

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 Nikki Costelloe on +61 2 4924 7307.