Life in the rotational Graduate Program at Sparke Helmore Lawyers

Meet Lara, one of the 2025 Graduates who took part in Sparke Helmore’s Graduate Program. Lara shares her experience and offers insights for future graduates considering a career with Sparkes.

What’s your background? 

I grew up in Sydney’s inner-west and attended Santa Sabina College in Strathfield. My interest in law sparked in Year 10 at a Year 11/12 subject selection day, where a teacher encouraged me to take Legal Studies. It quickly became my favourite HSC subject and the one in which I performed the best. I was drawn to understanding how the law operates and my place within the legal system, so pursuing a law degree felt like a natural next step.

I completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Macquarie University. In my first year, I was fortunate to secure a paralegal role and worked part-time throughout my degree while studying full-time. Alongside my studies, I was part of the Macquarie Elite Athletes Program and played football in the NSW NPL 1 competition.

During university, I predominantly worked in plaintiff personal injury and class action firms, which provided invaluable exposure to the legal practice. By the end of my degree, I realised I was drawn to litigation more broadly and the strategic and analytical nature of dispute work.

Tell us about your current role

I’m currently a lawyer in the corporate and commercial team, working in commercial disputes and insolvency.

My first rotation in Sparke’s 2025 Graduate Program was in the commercial disputes and insolvency team. Within a few months, it became clear that the work, people and the pace suited me. I enjoyed the complexity of the matters and felt supported while being challenged, so I decided to settle early and remain in the team. It was reassuring to know I had to flexibility to rotate and explore other practice areas, but staying felt like the right decision.

Why did you choose Sparke Helmore?

I chose Sparke Helmore because the firm’s values strongly align with my own. I was looking for a mid-tier firm with a strong Australian focus, where graduates are trusted with responsibility early on and encouraged to develop both professionally and personally. Also, the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, flexible work practices and graduate development were particularly important to me.

I was also attracted to the firm’s reputation in corporate and commercial work, particularly in disputes and insolvency, and the strength of the team in this area. After speaking with Sparke’s employees, it was clear the firm has a collaborative and supportive culture, with approachable partners and an emphasis on mentoring. The combination of high-quality work, early responsibility and a positive workplace culture made Sparke Helmore the right choice for me.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day starts at 8.30am, catching up on any emails that have come through overnight. From there, I might spend time drafting or reviewing court documents or correspondence, preparing briefs to counsel, or working on chronologies.

There is no “typical” day in litigation. The work is varied and fast-paced. My role involves a mix of assisting with matter management, drafting pleadings, attending court, liaising with clients and supporting the team as needed. I also have opportunities to attend hearings, brief counsel, and sit in on client and counsel meetings, which has been invaluable in understanding how matters progress from start to finish.

Which skills or subjects have helped you most?

Thesis writing, contract law, and constitutional law have all been valuable. These strengthened my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal issues, which are all critical skills in dispute work.

Continuing to engage in sport throughout university was also important. While external commitments can sometimes be seen as a disadvantage, I found the opposite to be true. Balancing training and competition alongside study taught me strong time-management skills, reduced procrastination and provided a much-needed outlet for stress. The teamwork, communication and leadership skills developed through sport also translate directly into legal practice.

What have been the highlights of your experience so far?

I value how approachable the partners are. From early on, I’ve felt comfortable asking questions and being involved in discussions about strategy and case progression. Partners are generous with their time and are invested in developing junior lawyers, whether that’s walking through complex issues, providing detailed feedback on drafting, or involving me in client and counsel discussions. That level of accessibility has made the learning experience both engaging and practical. I’ve been empowered to understand the broader context of matters and how decisions are made. Having that level of exposure has made the day-to-day work more interesting and rewarding. I feel actively involved in matters rather than just observing from the sidelines.

On a personal level, building close relationships with the other graduates has been a highlight. Starting out in the profession felt daunting for me, but having a cohort of people going through the same experience created a strong sense of support. Having peers to discuss matters with, ask questions, or debrief with over lunch has made a real difference. It has also helped foster a sense of belonging within the firm, which has made settling into the role much easier.

Do you have any advice for future graduates?

When applying for graduate roles, do your research and take the time to understand whether a firm’s values align with your own. Be prepared to demonstrate how and why you are a good cultural fit, not just why you are technically capable.

Don’t be afraid to highlight what sets you apart from other candidates, whether that’s work experience, extracurricular commitments or personal interests.

Finally, be your authentic self throughout the process. Authenticity goes a long way and it’s what helps you (and the firm) determine whether you’re the right fit.

How do you balance work and life outside the office?

Sparke Helmore is genuinely supportive of work-life balance. Outside of work, I play soccer and train three times a week, in addition to regular gym sessions. Staying active is a non-negotiable for me. I prioritise training in the mornings before work so if something urgent comes up, I can stay back without worrying about missing a session or cancelling a class.

The office has a very social environment. While the work gets done, there is always time for a coffee chat or lunch with colleagues. That sense of connection helps work feel like part of a balanced life rather than the centre of it.

If you are considering applying for Sparke’s graduate program, take it from Lara—find the place where your values and ambitions align, and don’t be afraid to dive in.

Learn more about Sparke Helmore’s Graduate Program here.