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 Associate to join our Insurance & Construction Litigation team in Brisbane working with Kiley Hodges.
About the team and the work
The practice has a strong blue-chip client base with a particular focus on large and complex litigated claims.
The mix of work and clients is unique, with direct clients from both the construction and insurance industries.
From a construction perspective:
The work includes front end contract and risk management advice and back-end disputes such as payment claims, adjudications, contract disputes and defect claims;
Clients include ASX listed companies and large and small private companies in the domestic, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities (including renewables), and institutional sectors.
From an insurance perspective:
The supervising partner leads the national firm’s Property and Construction Team;
The work includes construction, property, contract works, ISR, D&O, policy coverage, professional indemnity and complex personal injury claims.
Clients include national and global insurers, Lloyd’s syndicates, underwriting agencies, brokers and third party administrators and claims teams.
This is a varied and flexible practice. The team structure allows you to work to your strengths and on the types of matters that interest and challenge you.
The team promote flexibility and work/life balance. They are open to candidates who want to work flexibly in their next role.
This is a rare opportunity that offers the opportunity to progress as the practice and broader team continue to grow.
This is a genuine opportunity to join a tier 1 practice working on some of the most intricate matters in the country. You will work alongside leading Australian insurance lawyers in a collaborative environment, and with a supportive Partner who is invested in you and your career.
What the market says
Best Law Firms 2027 ranked by Best Lawyers - National Tier 1 Ranking for Insurance Law.
Best Law Firms 2026 ranked by Best Lawyers - Regional Tier 1 Ranking for Insurance Law, Brisbane.
Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025
The Australasian Lawyer - 5‑Star Employer of Choice, 2025 – Stand Out Winner (Wellbeing and Experience)
About you
You will ideally have 1 – 5 years' experience from a well-regarded law firm with experience in dispute resolution.
Experience from a construction law practice and/or defendant insurance practice working on general liability and professional indemnity claims is highly regarded.
To be successful you will need excellent attention to detail, strong written and negotiation skills and excellent organisational ability.
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 +61 2 4924 7307.
