Lawyer, Insurance

SHL; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sparke Helmore is seeking a Lawyer to join our Insurance team in Canberra, working closely with Partner Shelley Leembruggen. The role suits someone with litigation exposure and admission to practice, looking to develop expertise across public liability and workers’ compensation matters.

You will contribute to a collaborative, supportive culture while handling challenging matters for insurers, self-insured entities and government departments in ACT/NSW courts and tribunals.

Qualifications

• At least 12 months’ experience in a well-regarded litigation team.
• Admission to practice and demonstrated experience appearing before courts/tribunals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Applicants with plaintiff or in-house experience are encouraged to apply.

Skills

Litigation experience

Court appearances

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Plaintiff experience

In-house experience

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lawyer to join our 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 variety 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.
• Being a litigation practice, youwill have the opportunity to gain experience in both alternative dispute resolution and advocacy within the ACT and NSW Courts, ACAT, and the Administrative Review Tribunal.
• The team culture is collegiate, collaborative, and energetic with a focus on professional development and training.

What the market says

• Best Law Firms 2026 ranked by Best Lawyers - National Tier 1 Ranking for Insurance Law.
• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Law Firm of the Year, 2024 & 2025.
• Finalist: Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards - Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year, 2024.
• Winner: Australasian Lawyer - Law Firm of the Year, 2024.
• The Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice,2023, 2024 & 2025.
• Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025 (Ranked 16th).

About you

• The ideal candidates will have at least 12 months prior experience from a well-regarded litigation team.
• Must be admitted with demonstrated experience appearing before courts and/or tribunals.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• 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

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 Erin Tomicic on [phone].