Our firm
Since 1882 we’ve been providing legal services to Australian businesses. That’s 140 years of success through bringing our experience and knowledge to our clients. We are proudly Australian, and ours is a story of growth.
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We have come a long way since our doors opened in the Hunter in 1882, evolving and expanding our capabilities and services to reflect the changing landscape and needs of our clients. Yet some things remain constant - our ability to collaborate and deliver results. Working together effectively lies at the heart of everything we do and achieve, whether it’s with our clients, people, suppliers, or communities in which we serve.
As a truly national, award-winning firm, we cover six core areas of law—Commercial Insurance, Corporate & Commercial, Government, Property Environment & Finance, Statutory Lines Insurance and Workplace—with more than 30 specialised areas of expertise. Covering a big country needs a big team. We’re more than 850 people strong across nine offices, servicing an enviable client base of Australian and global organisations.
As a corporate citizen, we are responsible for and committed to supporting work practices, policies, and initiatives that contribute positively to the welfare of our people and the social fabric of our society. We recognise that our reputation rests on how we conduct ourselves individually and collectively as a business. Our approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ensures that all aspects of our business decision making and day-to-day operations reflect our values and culture in the way we do business. Taking actions to reduce our environmental footprint and incorporating Indigenous enterprises in our procurement decisions are just two examples that highlight the firm’s determination and commitment.
Our longstanding Pro Bono Practice and Community Program focus on providing free legal and non-legal assistance to disadvantaged individuals, eligible not-for-profitable organisations, charities and social enterprises. These activities help us understand and respond to challenges faced in the community and, at the same time, enrich our personal and professional lives.
From experience, we know that diversity of thought creates a vibrant and inclusive work environment that drives better outcomes for our clients too. The firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program forms an important part of our workplace culture, including six employee-driven networks that reflect our priorities and strategic focus: Access/Ability (mental health & disability), Culture and Identity, Flexibility, LGBTIQ+, Parents & Carers, and Six Degrees (gender equality).
Embedding a workplace culture that is vibrant, socially conscious and inclusive creates infinite opportunities. Our collective vision and shared values guide and inspire how we work at Sparke Helmore. It’s what unites us - and enables us - to grow, transform, lead and connect with one another. Our core values are:
Client-first - putting our clients at the heart of everything we do.
Honest - always being authentic, ethical and behaving with integrity and respect.
Respect and inspire people - enabling people to be their best.
Agile - open to change, adapting to challenges and uncertainty.
One-firm - working collaboratively towards achieving our goals.
Walk the talk - leading by example and showing the way.
We are proud of our firm’s history and humble beginnings. William Sparke and Basil Helmore instilled traditions of strong ties to local communities, active involvement in the legal profession and new ways of working with clients - all expressions of who we are as a successful business today.
View our latest firm brochure (July 2023).
