1. What drew you to this firm?

Sparke Helmore stood out because of its commitment to the professional development of its junior legal staff.

Sparke Helmore values its people and recognises that support, communication and an energised working environment are crucial to achieving and maintaining high standards.

As a medium sized firm, with specialist practice areas, Sparke Helmore offers me the opportunity to work with highly skilled practitioners in a range of practice groups.

2. What areas have you worked in?

Since beginning my Articled Clerkship I have worked in the Compensation practice group and the Workplace Relations, Safety and Environment practice group.

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

In the areas of Commonwealth compensation, workplace law, OHS and environmental law: advices to clients; drafting legal documents; briefs for counsel; court appearances; legal letters; legal research; jurisdictional reviews; drafting policy documents; inspecting and summarising subpoenaed documents and reporting to clients; drafting legal Bulletins for clients and practitioners; researching and preparing client seminar presentations.

4. What clients have you done work for?

Telstra, Australia Post, Comcare, Centrelink, DVA, GIO, Allianz, Marsh, Drake, Smorgon, Metcash, Bluescope, HBOSA, National Australia Bank, Goodman Fielder, PILCH amongst others.

5. Have you had much client contact?

A certain amount, particularly in Compensation.

So far my contact with clients has been mainly through attendance at client conferences and court appearances, client training and seminar presentations, letters, emails and telephone calls.

6. Have you been given much responsibility?

Yes, as appropriate to my level of skill and ability. Although at this stage all my work is closely supervised and reviewed, there is an expectation that work will be done to the highest possible standard. Every task involves a degree of responsibility, whether the task involves researching legislative requirements, inspecting documents or actually drafting an advice.

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

Sparke Helmore induction training in Sydney; Articled Clerk Orientation to Legal Practice through Leo Cussens; Negotiations Skills workshop and legal research training through LIV; ongoing training on new computer and precedent systems; LIV Young Lawyer seminars; Sparke Helmore seminar presentations on subjects such as Federal Workplace Reform; in-house CLE seminars on areas such as legal ethics and forensic accounting; practice group presentations focusing on different aspects of the law.

8. How have you received feedback about your performance?

I have 6 monthly performance reviews as well as monthly meetings with my supervisor to discuss my work programme and performance. I receive feedback about work completed including the opportunity for in-depth discussions and recommendations regarding drafting and legal analysis.

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

Extremely positive. Everyone is encouraged to achieve their best, to be supportive of others and to contribute - whether through thinking outside the square to achieve greater levels of client satisfaction or by participating in events such as the Sparke Helmore triathlon.

People at Sparke Helmore are encouraging, friendly, great to work with and take enormous pride in their work. I never feel lost in the crowd and I feel that I am valued as a team member.

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

The people - it makes such a difference to work with people who are great company and who are so supportive.

The work - its interesting, varied and I am supervised by practitioners who are experts in their field.

I'm learning a lot and I enjoy coming to work each day.

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

Personality and cultural fit is important at Sparke Helmore - take the opportunity to show what you're actually like as a person, beyond your academic transcript and references. Creativity and innovation are valued at Sparke Helmore, as are enthusiasm and the ability to provide exceptional levels of service to clients.

Experience in different practice groups is a very good way to get a feel for which area you like and where your skills lie.

Think about what you hope to gain from your work in a law firm. Think also about what positive qualities and skills you would bring to Sparke Helmore.

12. Any other comments?

I really enjoy working here. It's a great firm.

Sally Carew-Reid
Articled Clerk