Senior Associate, Workplace

Spamil; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sparke Helmore in Canberra is seeking a Senior Associate to join our Employment team. You will advise and represent employers across state and federal tribunals and courts, handling matters from unfair dismissal to discrimination with exposure to a broad client base, including private sector and government.

The role offers hybrid working arrangements, supportive leadership, and clear paths to partnership as part of a national, collaborative firm.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years as a workplace/employment lawyer (private practice or in-house).
• Experience mentoring juniors is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent employers in state and federal tribunals and courts on employment/industrial relations matters.
• Manage diverse matters including unfair dismissal, general protections, contracts and discrimination.
• Collaborate with the national team and other practice areas to deliver integrated client service.

Skills

Employment law

Advocacy

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.

Due to continued growth across our workplace group nationally, we have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our Employment team in Canberra.

About the team and the work

• Join a highly regarded and passionate team that prides itself on advising and representing private sector and government clients across a broad range of employment and industrial relations matters.
• Advise and represent employers in state and federal tribunals and courts, including matters involving unfair dismissal, general protections, contractual disputes, and discrimination complaints.
• Collaborate with our national team and engage with other practice groups in a truly integrated and supportive environment.
• Benefit from exceptional client relationships, including opportunities to work directly with clients through secondments.
• Genuine career progression and clear track to partnership available.

What the market says

• Stand Out Winner - 5-Star Employer of Choice (Employee Experience and Wellbeing), 2025
• Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025 (Ranked 16th)
• Fastest Growing Mid-Tier Firm - AFR, 2025

About you

• You will have at least 5+ years' experience as a workplace / employment lawyer, either in private practice or in-house.
• Ideally you will currently be a Senior Associate in a well regarded workplace practice with experience mentoring and developing juniors.
• Ideally you will have advocacy experience, or a willingness to learn with exposure to the IRC, FWC, Supreme and Federal Courts.
• If you're seeking flexibility - whether part-time hours or a hybrid working arrangement - we encourage you to apply and will do our best to accommodate.

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

Background Screening

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 Nicole Garrett on [phone].