Senior Associate, Privacy

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 a rare opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our Privacy & Information Law team in Sydney, Canberra, or Melbourne working with Chantal Tipene and Kelly Matheson.

About the team and the work

• We rarely have an opportunity to join this team given the breadth and depth of work on offer and the genuine collaborative, supportive, and cohesive team culture.

• You will work with two partners and a team of information law specialists who have extensive experience in privacy, secrecy, FOI, surveillance, and other compulsory information access laws.

• You will be involved in advising and supporting government (both Commonwealth and State and Territory) and private sector clients to comply with their obligations under applicable privacy and secrecy laws, including the collection and handling of personal information, undertaking Privacy Threshold Assessments (PTA), Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA), handling complaints and Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) investigations and addressing data breaches.

• This is a genuine opportunity for a high performing associate looking to step up to senior associate, or an experienced senior associate, to work alongside leading Australian privacy and information law specialists on complex and highly sensitive matters acting on behalf of key Government and private sector clients.

• The team embraces working flexibly and welcome applications from applicants who are seeking flexible working arrangements (part-time, flexible hours or hybrid work).

What the market says

• Ranked in Chambers Asia-Pacific.

• Partners, Lawyers, and teams recognised in Doyle's and Best Lawyers.

• The Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice,

• Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025 (Ranked 16th).

• Australasian Lawyer - Law Firm of the Year, 2024.

• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Law Firm of the Year, 2024 & 2025.

• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Government Team of the Year, 2025.

• Finalist: Chantal Tipene, Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards (Government Partner of the Year), 2025.

About you

• At least 5+ years' experience working in information law.

• Previous experience conducting privacy impact assessments and addressing data breach matters would be preferable.

• Willingness to mentor other lawyers to help develop the future capabilities 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.