Senior Associate, Commercial 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.

Due to growth, we have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our Commercial Insurance team in Canberra working closely with Partner, Shelley Leembruggen.

About the team and the work

• The practice has a strong blue-chip client base and will give you access to a diverse range 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.

• The team play to people's strengths and interests. We are open to candidates who have an interest or prior experience in specific areas of insurance, or who are looking to expand their expertise.  

• Being a litigation practice, you will have the opportunity to appear in the ACT and NSW Courts, ACAT, and the Administrative Review Tribunal.

• This is a genuine opportunity for a high performing associate looking to step up to senior associate, or an emerging senior associate, to work alongside leading Australian insurance lawyers in a supportive and collaborative team environment.

• The team embraces working flexibly and welcome applications who are seeking flexible work arrangements (part-time minimum 3 days per week or hybrid work).

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.

• Recognised: Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025.

About you

• The ideal candidate will have 5+ years' experience gained from a well-regarded insurance firm with experience in defendant liability, CTP and/or historical abuse claims.

• Prior experience mentoring more junior team members.

• Excellent attention to detail and proactive file management skills.

• Strong written and communication skills and excellent organisational ability.

• Applicants with plaintiff and in-house experience are also encouraged to apply.

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

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Background Screening: Successful applications will be subject to pre-employment and in some circumstances, ongoing background checks which include a criminal history check.