Sydney Graduate Program – Sydney NSW

Sparke Helmore Lawyers is a truly integrated national firm that looks to the future. Established in 1882, we have over 800 people flexibly working from nine offices across Australia. We offer the security and history of a long-established firm with the excitement and opportunity for growth. We operate in a way that puts our clients and our people at the heart of everything we do – we’re proud to be described as being down to earth, practical and easy to deal with.

We understand that finding the right firm to start your career can be a daunting process which is why we want to work with you to find the best solution for you. We give you the opportunity to tell us what’s important to you and for us to assist with helping you get to where you want to be.

Sparke Helmore understands that some graduates are passionate and committed to a career in one of our specific practice groups but others may not know where they would like to specialise at such an early stage of your career and for this reason our 2022 / 2023 program will offer you the opportunity to tell us whether you would like to commence your career in a specific practice group or whether your preference is to rotate through different areas.

We have always embraced diversity and flexibility at Sparke Helmore, but even more so now given the challenges of the pandemic. We pride ourselves on finding the right opportunity for you by adopting a flexible and agile approach. So tell us how you work best and what motivates you to achieve great outcomes at work, and we will work with you to be your best and achieve those great outcomes at Sparkes in the most appropriate way for you.

At Sparke Helmore our people are our most valuable asset so we make sure we look after them! The trust we place in our graduate lawyers will ensure that you won’t get stuck doing repetitive tasks. You’ll be an integral part of our team with high levels of responsibility and have genuine opportunities for career growth and development.

What do we look for in our graduates?

At Sparkes we recruit for ‘the future’ and look for people who have the potential to progress through the Firm; intelligent, personable, committed graduates who are energetic and can demonstrate their leadership qualities.

Sparke Helmore graduates are:

• “All-rounders” who engaged in extra-curricular pursuits as well as their studies (our graduates have often excelled at mooting, debating, team sports or student politics in addition to their studies)

• Clear and concise writers

• Confident and articulate communicators

• Experienced in any of the following; summer clerkships, casual paralegal positions, voluntary legal aid experience and tip staffing

Working at Sparke Helmore provides a range of unique offerings for all employees. Every day our graduates are presented with countless opportunities to expand their knowledge, with access to:

• Market-leading expertise – we are a full service national law firm who work with a loyal and exceptional client base. You will be involved in matters that will engage you, challenge you and give you unparallel opportunity to grow and deepen your expertise.

• Real legal work – from your first day, you will have the opportunity to get involved in legal work that contributes to the firm and its clients.

• Training and development – a combination of formal and on-the-job training that covers technical and soft skills.

• Mentoring and networking – we have a proud reputation for mentoring and facilitating relationship building across the firm in a way that fosters personal and career development, networking and the sharing of knowledge, experience and learning.

• Opportunities to give back – through our Pro Bono and Community Programs.

We aim to increase the diversity of our workforce to better represent the communities in which we live and work. Our culture provides the foundations of a welcoming and inclusive environment, and we encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to join us – and bring their whole selves to work. We’re proud to be recognised two years running as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by WGEA. We also participated in the Diversity Council of Australia’s biennial Inclusion@ YourWork Index in August 2019 and off the back of our strong performance across the six key areas (Awareness, Engagement, Inclusive Organisational Climate, Inclusive Leadership, Inclusive Team and Exclusion), were recognised as an Inclusive Employer.

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.

• Competitive remuneration
• Employee Wellbeing Program
• Career Development Program
• Access to highly regarded leaders and mentors
• Paid parental leave
• Salary Continuance Insurance
• Imbedded culture of Flexibility
• Diverse and inclusive workplace

To read more about the firm and practice groups please visit our website:

https://www.sparke.com.au/

To gain a better insight into our National Graduate program please take the time to watch our Graduate video below:

Applications close at 5:00pm on Sunday 10 April 2022.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be an Australian Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

In line with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all employees of Sparke Helmore are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a genuine medical contraindication. In order to be eligible to commence employment with Sparke Helmore, an individual must provide evidence to Sparke Helmore that they are either vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they have a genuine medical contraindication. This evidence will be reviewed and must be accepted by Sparke Helmore prior to commencing employment.