Senior Associate Special Counsel, Workplace

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 a Senior Associate to Special Counsel to join our Workplace team in Adelaide working with partner Luke Holland. If you're seeking flexibility—whether a contract role, part-time hours or a hybrid working arrangement—we encourage you to apply.

About the team and the work

• Be a leader in a highly regarded, inclusive team who pride themselves on resolving a range of workplace matters for clients in diverse sectors, including private, insurance, and all levels of government.
• You will be providing expert advice and represent employers on the management of workplace issues including unfair dismissals, general protections claims, discrimination claims, bullying and harassment.
• Gain exposure to matters before various courts and tribunals with many opportunities to appear before different courts and tribunals and advise on internal and external investigations
• Sparkes promotes and encourages collaboration with other practice groups to deliver cohesive, strategic outcomes and benefit from exceptional client relationships, including opportunities to work onsite with clients through regular secondments, enhancing your skills and industry exposure.

Market recognition

Leading: Workplace Health & Safety Law Firm – SA, 2026 (First Tier), Doyle's Guide

Leading: Employment Law Firm (Employer Representation - SA, 2026 (Second Tier), Doyle's Guide

Leading: Employment Lawyers (Employer Representation) – SA, 2026 (Leading), Doyle's Guide

Leading: Workplace Health & Safety Lawyers – South Australia, 2026 (Preeminent), Doyle's Guide

Rising star: recognised in the NSW Employment & WHS Rising Stars category, Doyle's Guide

Recognised: Occupational Health and Safety Law, Labour and Employment Law and Government Practice, 2027, Best Lawyers

About you

• At least 6+years’ experience gained in a reputable practice working in employment and/or safety. The opportunity to specialise in one or the other is available.
• Proven experience in managing matters end-to-end, including handling a variety of files for employers - include a range of employment disputes across unfair dismissal, general protections, discrimination, sexual harassment and workplace bullying matters and responding to safety incidents, investigations, prosecutions, and inquests as well as well-developed analytical and drafting skills.
• As this team continues to grow, your leadership and mentoring skills will be an integral part of ensuring the continued success and growth of the team.

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.