Sparke Helmore announces Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate new year promotions

Sparke Helmore is pleased to announce that Vanessa Finlayson from our CTP Insurance practice and Alexandra Woodland from our Statutory Lines Insurance practice have been promoted to Partner, effective 1 January 2026.

Vanessa is an experienced insurance litigator, with significant experience in Compulsory Third Party litigation.  She advises on risk and exposure with a particular interest in negotiation strategies, early resolution, medical disputes, s151z recoveries, multi-party insurance disputes and fraud claims.  Vanessa has a keen eye for assessing quantum and investigating interesting liability and medical issues, including keeping abreast of dispute trends before the Personal Injury Commission.   Vanessa is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury.  In addition to her strong insurance background, Vanessa also advises Commonwealth agencies in relation to statutory interpretation and administrative law issues.  She delivers robust strategic solutions and strong litigation outcomes for her clients and regularly appears before the Administrative Review Tribunal. 

Alexandra primarily works in workers’ compensation, providing advice to the State statutory authority and its claims agents on all matters relating to claims made under the South Australian workers’ compensation legislation. Alexandra provides advice on advisory and claims management issues, as well as managing disputes from alternative dispute resolution through to litigation. 

Congratulations also to Ashley Sherr, Madeline Coats and Jesse Slankard, all based in our Melbourne office, who are celebrating new year promotions. Ashley has been promoted to Special Counsel and Madeline and Jesse have been promoted to Senior Associate, effective 1 January 2026.

Andrew White, National Managing Partner, said, ‘It is always a great day when I announce promotions from among our talented cohort of senior lawyers. Vanessa and Alexandra joining our partnership, alongside Ashley, Madeline and Jesse’s promotions, are testament to the dedication they have shown in achieving this significant career milestone. I know their contributions will continue to drive the firm’s success and growth and that they will excel in their new roles.’

Read more about Ashley, Madeline and Jesse

Ashley Sherr, Special Counsel, Workplace — Ashley is an experienced litigator and adviser in all areas of Workplace law. He regularly advises and acts on behalf of large, SME and government clients by providing them with advice as well as representing them across state and federal courts and tribunals in a range of employment, industrial relations and WHS matters. He is also an experienced advocate who has appeared on behalf of clients in a number of courts and tribunals. Ashley was recognised as an Employment & WHS Law Rising Star in Victoria by Doyle's Guide (2022) as well as Best Lawyers One to Watch (2024, 2025 and 2026). Prior to joining Sparkes, Ashley worked as a lawyer at a Commonwealth government regulator as well as serving as an Associate to a Commissioner at the Fair Work Commission.

Madeline Coats, Senior Associate, Statutory Lines Insurance — Madeline practices in the statutory compensation jurisdiction, with experience in case management, negotiating dispute settlements, and advising clients on claim liability, indemnity, causation and quantum. She also counsels clients on the advisability of trial proceedings, financial liability and legal obligations. Madeline regularly appears for Victorian, South Australian and Commonwealth clients, departments and agencies before the Victorian Workplace Injury Commission, the Victorian Magistrates Court, the Victorian County Court, the South Australian Employment Tribunal and the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Jesse Slankard, Senior Associate, Government Public & Regulatory — Jesse is an experienced lawyer and litigator.  He advises and appears for Commonwealth departments and agencies on judicial and merits review matters in the ART, FCFCoA, and FCA, including appearing as a solicitor-advocate in hearings. Prior to joining Sparkes, Jesse lived and worked in New Zealand. His previous experience includes working as a Judges’ clerk in the Auckland District Court, an assistant crown counsel at the Crown Law Office and a senior criminal defence lawyer with the Public Defence Service.