Defying Boundaries for People with a Disability

In 2006, Sparke Helmore was among leading Australian corporations acknowledged for longstanding support for the employment of people with disability. The Defying Boundaries Award recognised Sparke Helmore's leading role in promoting active and healthy lifestyles for people with disability.

The firm employs a number of people with disability who play an active role in both legal and support capacities and has a long-standing community partnership with the Australian Employer's Network on Disability, an organisation that empowers employers to recognise the contribution of people with disability in the employment sphere. Sparke Helmore is a Foundation Charter member of this network.

Through this partnership, Sparke Helmore has participated in the Stepping into Law program, an innovative program that facilitates the transition from university study to employment for law students with a disability, and gives them a paid placement in a Sparke Helmore office in Brisbane or Sydney to obtain a taste of legal practice in a national law firm.

Suzanne Colbert, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Employer's Network on Disability, says:

"Our relationship with Sparke Helmore evolved over several years and began with the late Partner and Chairman of the firm, Nick Meagher. Nick realised that it was important to enhance the knowledge and sensitivity of employers in providing employment opportunities to people with disability and was involved in our organisation at an early stage. Partner of the firm, David Davies, was on our Board of management for three years and chairman for one year. Sparke Helmore Partner, Paul Cutrone, has recently been appointed to the position of Secretary. Over the years, Sparke Helmore has also donated funds, provided pro bono legal assistance, hosted several seminars in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane offices, and provided speakers to help us engage with employers who want to extend their expertise on all areas relating to people with disability as employers, customers and suppliers."

For further information

Email share@sparke.com.au or contact Michael Rosenfeld, Pro Bono & Community Programs Director.

Alternatively, contact your nearest Sparke Helmore office.