Lawyer To Associate, Workplace

Shl; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sparke Helmore in Perth is seeking a Lawyer or Associate to join the Workplace team and grow with a respected national employment practice. You’ll advise and represent clients, collaborate with partners, and build your client relationships while developing your technical skills.

The role offers mentorship and meaningful opportunities within a supportive national team.

Qualifications

• 1+ years' PAE in Employment Law, Industrial Relations or WHS practice.
• Experience or keen interest in investigations, prosecutions and coronial matters, plus analytical and drafting skills.
• Collaborative with exceptional communication and organisational abilities.

Skills

Employment law

Investigations

Drafting

Analytical skills

Communication

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 or Associate to join our growing Workplace team in Perth working with Partner, Ian Bennett.

About the team and the work

• Join a highly regarded and passionate team who pride themselves on advising and representing private and public sector clients on employment law, workplace health and safety and coronial matters, specializing in proactive advisory and litigation.
• Work closely with a reputable Partner (and broader 'on the ground' team) recognized for their expertise across employment law, workplace health and safety, investigations, prosecutions and coronial matters, while developing your own client relationships and technical skills.
• Work on a wide variety of matters, be encouraged to work autonomously whilst being supported by a national team of specialist lawyers. The national Workplace team consists of the employment and safety teams who work collaboratively across interests and borders and your legal skills will become well-honed with the diversity of work.
• Gain exposure to clients across a range of industries and jurisdictions, working with Commonwealth, state and local governments and diverse sectors including mining, transport, financial services, insurance, education and healthcare.
• Given the exceptional client relationships this team has, you will have the opportunity to work with clients directly (including with potential in-house secondment opportunities).
• The team also has a strong commitment and focus on giving back to the local community through a range of pro-bono initiatives; with plenty of opportunities to gain invaluable experience and take-on further unique tasks in this space.

Market Recognition

• Listed - Best Lawyers in Australia, Labour and Employment Law, 2027
• Winner - Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice 2026
• Stand Out Winner - 5-Star Employer of Choice (Employee Experience and Wellbeing), 2025

About you

• You will have 1+ years' PAE gained in a well-regarded Employment Law, Industrial Relations or WHS practice.
• You will have experience or a keen interest in investigations, prosecutions and coronial matters, as well as well-developed analytical and drafting skills (ideally with some elements of workplace and/or insurance law).
• Be collaborative and have exceptional communication and organisational skills.

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.

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 Nikki Costelloe on [phone].