Head of Internal Legal and Risk

SHL; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Sparke Helmore is seeking a commercially minded Head of Internal Legal & Risk in Sydney to guide risk, governance and regulatory compliance for the firm. You will serve as trusted counsel to the Leadership and Management Team on AML/CTF, ethics, conflicts, and professional obligations, while managing internal legal matters and insurance programs.

The role emphasizes practical risk assessment, strong stakeholder engagement, and leadership within a diverse team of legal professionals.

Qualifications

• Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner with current practising certificate.
• Senior Associate / Special Counsel or in-house GC with 8+ years’ PQE in a commercial, regulatory or risk-focused practice.
• Solid knowledge of legal profession regulation, Privacy Act and Fair Work Act; AML/CTF experience highly regarded.
• Commercial judgement to weigh risk against opportunity and give practical, pragmatic advice.
• Confidence, diplomacy and credibility to advise partners and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm’s risk management framework and controls, including Business Continuity Plan, policy audits and regulatory compliance.
• Act as AML/CTF Compliance Officer, governing processes and KYC guidance.
• Own conflicts policy and central register, support Conflicts Committee, and train on ethics and confidentiality.
• Manage complaints, investigations and professional indemnity notifications involving Law Societies and the Legal Services Commissioner.
• Advise on client and vendor contracts, draft governance documents, and manage litigation and disputes involving the firm.
• Oversee the full insurance program including renewals and claims management.
• Run rolling policy reviews, ARC follow-ups, outside appointments protocols, ASIC registers and minutes; manage services trust obligations.

Skills

Risk management

AML/CTF

Ethics & conflicts

Policy governance

Education

Australian legal practitioner certificate

8+ years PQE in commercial/regulatory practice

Job description

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.

Are you a commercially minded Senior Associate or Special Counsel ready for something different? If so, this is a chance to step out of private practice without stepping away from the law. Or are you currently in-house and looking to move from a corporate to private practice?

We are looking to appoint a commercially minded Head of Internal Legal & Risk to be advisor and trusted counsel to our Leadership and Management Team on risk, governance, regulation and professional obligations.

The role

• Risk and compliance: Lead the firm’s risk management framework and controls, including the Business Continuity Plan, policy audits and legal profession regulatory compliance.


• AML/CTF: Act as the firm’s AML/CTF Compliance Officer, owning the governance, processes and KYC guidance that keep us compliant.


• Ethics and conflicts: Own the conflicts policy and central conflicts register, support the Conflicts Committee, and deliver training on ethics, confidentiality, conflicts and the responsible use of AI in client work.


• Complaints and PI: Manage complaints, investigations and professional indemnity notifications, including matters involving Law Societies and the Legal Services Commissioner.


• Internal legal: Maintain the firm’s terms of engagement, advise on client and vendor contracts, draft partnership and governance documents, and manage litigation and disputes involving the firm.


• Insurance: Oversee the full insurance program, including renewals with our broker and claims management.


• Governance and company secretariat: Run rolling policy review, ARC follow-ups, outside appointments protocols, ASIC registers and minutes, and services trust obligations.

About you

• Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner holding a current practising certificate.


• Senior Associate / Special Counsel or Current in-house General Counsel with 8+ years’ PQE in a commercial, regulatory or risk-focused practice. In-house or law firm risk experience is a bonus.


• Solid working knowledge of legal profession regulation, the Privacy Act and the Fair Work Act. AML/CTF experience is highly regarded.


• Commercial judgement to weigh risk against opportunity and give practical, pragmatic advice.


• Confidence, diplomacy and credibility to advise partners and senior leaders.

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.