Senior Associate or Special Counsel, Health

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 Specialty Lines team in Melbourne to join our growing national Health (Medical Negligence) practice.

About the team and the work

• Exciting, newly created opportunity to join our growing national Health team in our Melbourne office .

• This role would suit a senior lawyer who is comfortable taking carriage of their own files (with appropriate supervision).

• We work with insureds, insurers, MDOs, underwriting agencies, cover holders and brokers supporting them in complex health class actions, especially when cases involve assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy and discrimination. 

• We defend litigated medical negligence claims in the District and Supreme Courts against registered health practitioners, private and public hospitals, allied health and other medical service providers. 

• We represent health professionals and facilities in regulatory and disciplinary hearings and coronial investigations and regularly represent registered health practitioners in state and federal regulatory investigations as well as Medicare and HICAPS audits.  Medical and dental practitioners and medical facilities trust us to represent them in AHPRA investigations and before the Health Care Complaints Commission, NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Medical Board and the Dental Board. 

• We also advise "persons of interest" in coronial proceedings about medical and nursing care as well as deal with health facility coverage issues, medical product liability and clinical trials.

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 - Regional Tier 1 Ranking for Insurance Law, Brisbane.

• 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

• At least six years of post-admission experience in defendant insurance law with significant experience in defending medical indemnity claims.

• Experience in disciplinary matters would be highly regarded.

• The ability and desire to supervise and mentor junior members 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

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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.