Special Counsel, Workplace Health, and Safety

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.

As this team continues to grow, we invite you to be part of our story. We have an opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Workplace Health & Safety practice in Newcastle or Sydney working with partners Catherine Wilkinson and Emma Gruschka. We collaborate nationally and encourage applicants from the Hunter region and beyond to apply. Our technology and way of working lets us do this.

About the team and the work

• Join a dynamic team of lawyers who act for both private and public sector clients in relation to workplace health and safety incidents, prosecution proceedings and inquests, undertaking workplace and incident investigations, advising in relation to incident management, psychosocial incidents, regulatory investigations, WHS systems and workplace culture.

• 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 together 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, work with Commonwealth, state, and local governments and diverse sectors including mining, transport, financial services, insurance, education, and health care.

• Sparkes promotes and encourages collaboration with other practice groups to deliver cohesive, strategic outcomes and benefit from exceptional client relationships, including opportunities to work onsite with clients through regular secondments, enhancing your skills and industry exposure.

Market recognition

Winner—Occupational Health and Safety Firm of the Year, AFR’s Best Lawyers, 2024

Listed – Best Lawyers in Australia (2025) for Labour and Employment Law

Stand Out Winner – 5-Star Employer of Choice (Employee Experience and Wellbeing), 2025

Lawyers Weekly – Top 25 Attraction Firm, 2025 (Ranked 16th)

Recommended - Doyle's Guide 2025, Leading Workplace Health & Safety Lawyers, NSW

About you

• We are looking for experienced lawyers with 3-7 years’ experience with exposure to and an interest in Workplace law; a sound understanding of the Work Health and Safety Act is essential.
• Proven experience in managing matters end-to-end, including handling a variety of files for employers—such as responding to safety incidents, investigations, prosecutions, and inquests as well as well-developed analytical and drafting skills.
• If you're seeking a flexible working environment or part-time hours, we encourage you to apply. We’re committed to supporting work-life balance and will do our best to accommodate your needs.

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

We believe the best stories are shared

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.