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.
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 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 two practice groups.
What can you expect?
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.
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.
What the market says
Winner: Prosple Best Management – Law, 2026.
Prosple Top 3 in Law: Best Culture – Law, 2026.
Prosple Top 5 in Law: Best Recruitment Process, 2026.
Prosple top 10 in Law: Best Career Progression, 2026.
Prosple top 10 in Law: Best Meaningful Work, 2026.
Prosple top 10 in Law: Best Training and Development, 2026.
Prosple top 10 in Law: Employer Overall, 2026.
Prosple top 10 in Law: Highest Paying, 2026.
Standout Winner: 5-Star Employer of Choice (Employee Experience and Wellbeing), 2025
Recognised: Lawyers Weekly - Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025.
Winner: Australasian Lawyer - Law Firm of the Year, 2024.
Recognised: The Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Employer of Choice, 2023 & 2024.
About Sparke Helmore Graduates
At Sparke 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)
Team players
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
Who can apply?
Our Graduate Program is open to students studying law who are either in their final year or have completed their degree within the past 12 months and have not completed a graduate program elsewhere. Students must have full working rights through Australian/New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
Please note our Graduate Program will commence early 2027 and requires you to be able to start as a full-time graduate at this time.
