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Quality and consistency through collaboration

We are pleased to welcome Sophie Pennington to Sparke Helmore as a Partner in our Specialty Lines Insurance team, effective 14 October 2025.

Sophie is a highly regarded health law specialist with significant expertise in advising public hospitals through the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, the Victorian Government’s insurer and risk adviser, medical and other health practitioners through their medical defence organisations, private hospitals and specialty practices, including diagnostic imaging and pathology services, through their commercial insurers. 

Sophie acts in defence of both litigated and unlitigated civil claims, coronial investigations and inquests and disciplinary proceedings.  She regularly provides guidance to insurers on indemnity, contribution and apportionment, and issues of risk management across the health portfolio. Sophie has been recognised as a Leading Medical Negligence and Malpractice Lawyer (Defendant) in Doyle’s Guide.

Prior to returning to private practice over nine years ago, Sophie was the Head of Medical Defence and Services for Avant, Australia’s largest medical defence organisation.  This unique combination of in-house and private practice experience gives her a comprehensive understanding of the medico-legal landscape and the challenges faced by health professionals and insurers alike.

Sophie is joined by a team of two lawyers, further strengthening our capabilities in this highly specialised field.

Marie-Clare Elder, Health Group Leader, said, ‘We are excited to welcome Sophie and her team to Sparke Helmore.  She brings a wealth of experience to our market-leading health team, deepening our local and national coverage and reinforcing our commitment to the broader health sector both in Australia and internationally.’

Sophie remarked, ‘I am passionate about health law and believe it’s imperative to strike a balance between recognising the incredible work of health professionals and ensuring patient safety. Joining a firm with such a strong culture while continuing to do the work I love is a win-win.’

Sophie and her team will be based in our Melbourne office.

About Sparke Helmore

We’ve come a long way since our doors first opened in the Hunter in 1882.  We’ve had an office in Sydney since the ‘60s and we recently opened our tenth office in Cairns.

We cover six key areas of law – Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Insurance, Government, Property Environment & Finance, Statutory Lines of Insurance and Workplace – with more than 30 specialised areas of expertise. We’re a truly national, full service and proudly Australian firm that delivers results through deep collaboration with our clients. Wherever our clients need us, that’s where we’ll be.

Covering a big country needs a big team—we’re more than 950 people now and still growing. And in true Australian spirit, we’re friendly, approachable and easy to work with. And when you work with one of us, you get the expertise of all of us.

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