Senior Associate, Pro Bono

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, we have an opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our Pro Bono team in Sydney.

More about the role and the team

• Oversee the assessment and coordination of pro bono referrals, working with community legal centres, internal stakeholders and legal teams to determine eligibility, risk, resourcing requirements and strategic alignment.

• Drive a range of pro bono initiatives, including legal clinics, workshops and lawyer secondments, while developing training materials, resources and related documentation.

• Provide strategic oversight and legal expertise on Wills & Estates pro bono matters, including wills, end-of-life planning documents and estate administration matters.

• Draft, review and maintain secondment agreements, volunteer agreements, precedents and internal templates, while contributing to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the firm's pro bono program.

• Build and maintain strong relationships across the firm and with external partners, while leading training, presentations, stakeholder engagement and networking initiatives.

• There will also be the opportunity to lead and participate in the firm’s various pro bono clinics, community legal education programs, legal matters and strategic projects.

Our Pro Bono work

• Our Pro Bono Practice was recognised as a finalist in the Pro Bono Program of the Year category at the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards in 2023 and 2024.

• Learn more about our Pro Bono Practice: https://www.sparke.com.au/our-firm/initiatives/our-pro-bono-practice/

More about you

• An experienced lawyer with approximately 5+ years' PQE and experience in Wills & Estates, together with experience in a pro bono practice, community legal centre, not-for-profit sector or demonstrated commitment to access to justice initiatives.

• Exceptional drafting, analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex legal issues, manage risk and deliver high-quality legal documents and precedents.

• Proven experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, you will be highly organised and capable of managing competing priorities, complex matters and multiple stakeholder groups with minimal supervision.

• This role will require occasional short-term travel to assist with remote wills workshops (a few days to a week at a time, up to four times a year).​

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.