Senior Associate – Special Counsel, Workplace

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

Senior Associate to Special Counsel in Workplace law at Sparke Helmore, joining a dynamic team handling workplace health and safety matters.

Posted 6/1/2026full-timeNewcastle • 🇦🇺 AustraliaSeniorWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

workplace lawincident managementinvestigationsprosecutionsdrafting skillsanalytical skillsWHS systemsregulatory investigationspsychosocial incidentsfile management

Soft Skills

autonomycollaborationclient relationship managementstrategic thinkingcommunication

Industry Keywords

Work Health and Safety Actworkplace cultureprivate sectorpublic sectorminingtransportfinancial servicesinsuranceeducationhealth care

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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
Undertake workplace and incident investigations
Advise 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
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.
Collaborate 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

Requirements

What you’ll need

3-7 years’ experience with exposure to and an interest in Workplace law
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
Well-developed analytical and drafting skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.