Why Sparke Helmore?

As an independent Australian firm with a long history and a big heart, we have a rich story to tell. Our spirit is built on the power of relationships with our people, clients and communities.

At Sparke Helmore, you’ll be actively involved as part of a diverse, genuine and friendly team. We’ll help you harness your ambition and take your skills to new heights with exposure to outstanding clients and easy access to exceptional leaders and mentors.

Your story is yours to define. We’d like to be part of it and for you to be part of ours.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Associate to join our Intellectual Property & Technology team in Sydney working with Shannon Platt.

About the team and the work

• Work with one of Australia's leading IP practitioners, with more than 20 years' experience advising clients on trade mark prosecution and enforcement, copyright litigation and protection, patent litigation and licensing, brand protection, technology commercialisation and complex multi-jurisdictional intellectual property disputes.
• Work across a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters, including trade mark, copyright and patent disputes, brand protection, licensing and commercialisation.
• Gain exposure to Federal Court litigation, opposition and non-use proceedings before IP Australia, technology and licensing arrangements, and strategic brand management issues.
• Advise clients across industries including technology, FMCG, engineering, chemicals, hospitality, leisure and the creative sectors.

What the market says

• Recognised: Leading Trademark Practice, World Trademark Review (WTR 1000) – Four consecutive years
• Winner: Intellectual Property Partner of the Year, Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards 
• Winner: Women in Law Awards, Partner of the Year
• Winner: NSW Patent Litigator of the Year, Acquisition International Intellectual Property Awards
• 5-Star Employer of Choice, Australasian Lawyer 2026

About you

• You will have approximately 3-4 years PQE gained in Federal Court litigation; preferably with some intellectual property, technology, commercial or disputes practice experience.
• You will enjoy managing client relationships and taking ownership of matters while working closely with experienced practitioners.
• To be successful, you will be collaborative, proactive and eager to continue building your expertise within a market-leading IP & Technology team.

What Sparke Helmore can offer you

Our culture is one which values and celebrates diversity to better represent the communities in which we live and work. We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us - and bring their whole selves to work.

We recognise people value things differently. That's why our comprehensive benefits program is wide ranging so that everyone can find something that appeals to them. We're sure you will find something to love about what Sparke Helmore has to offer.

To find out more about what is on offer at Sparke Helmore please visit our website: Join us

We believe the best stories are shared

Background Screening: Successful applications will be subject to pre-employment and in some circumstances, ongoing background checks which include a criminal history check.