1. What drew you to this firm?

I had already worked at Sparke Helmore in a secretarial and paralegal capacity for two years when graduate recruitment commenced.

I wanted to stay at Sparke Helmore when I graduated because of the firm's workplace culture. Sparke Helmore values its staff and provides a friendly and comfortable working environment. At the same time it maintains a high level of professionalism and strives to provide legal services of the highest possible standard.

Sparke Helmore ensures that all staff members have the opportunity to reach their potential in professional development by tailoring a graduate program that allows graduates to work in different practice groups, and provides a mentoring system and training with state of the art resources.

2. What areas have you worked in?

I started in the Compensation practice group and I’m working in areas of Commonwealth compensation, NSW state compensation and public liability.

3. What type of work have you done in each of these areas?

In a short time I have had experience in all major aspects of the practice, including drafting a wide range of pleadings, legal research, reviewing and summarising subpoenaed documents, reviewing medical and investigation reports, preparing advices to clients on liability and quantum of claims, participating in settlement negotiations and preparing legal letters for any number of purposes.

4. What clients have you done work for?

Major clients include Comcare, Telstra, the Department of Veterans Affairs, GIO, Guild Insurance, Allianz Australia and NRMA.

5. Have you had much client contact?

Not a great deal. As many of our clients are interstate, most client contact has been through letters.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Certainly more than I expected! Most of my work is closely supervised and reviewed, but the advice I provide to clients is rarely 'overruled'. I have been allowed to participate in live settlement negotiations and have instructed Counsel in court proceedings, where work cannot be so easily reviewed.

7. What type of training have you undertaken at the firm?

I started with two days of training in the local office on Sparke Helmore computer systems and resources. Sparke Helmore also runs induction training in the Sydney office for the new graduate intake. This training focuses on communication and relationship building. It also exposes graduates to a range of practice areas through a series of seminars, and includes useful workshops on time recording and legal drafting.

There are also frequently in-house seminars on law reform, and training on computer systems is ongoing.

8. How have you received feedback about your performance?

When my work is reviewed I get feedback from supervisors on the quality of my work and always have the opportunity to discuss any changes that have been made to it. Sparke Helmore has a formal program of performance reviews every six months, although I am yet to participate in one!

9. How would you describe the culture and working environment within the firm?

The working environment is very friendly and supportive. Sparke Helmore places a premium on having open channels of communication within the firm and everyone is given the opportunity to make a valued contribution to the firm.

The office social committee always organises terrific events which helps to provide a social dimension to the firm outside working hours.

10. What do you like most about working for the firm?

I enjoy being given a high responsibility and challenged to step outside my comfort zone to take on difficult tasks even when I feel I might be out of my depth.

It is terrific to work in a place with such a supportive group of people and in such a friendly working environment.

11. What tips would you give to someone applying to your firm?

Although your written application is important as a first step, Sparke Helmore is looking for people that will fit well into its culture. When you are interviewed, show your enthusiasm and make an effort to demonstrate that you're a team player. Think about what contribution you would make to the firm and why you want to work at Sparke Helmore. Think about the different things you've done during your time at university and in your previous work experience, beyond your academic achievements and list of jobs.

12. Any other comments?

Sparke Helmore is a great place to work. The firm uniquely balances a high level of professionalism and a growing reputation with a comfortable and supportive working environment. If you think you would make a contribution to the firm's culture and provision of legal services, make sure you apply!