Head of Internal Legal and Risk

Location: Sydney

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.

Are you a commercially minded Senior Associate or Special Counsel ready for something different? If so, his is a chance to step out of private practice without stepping away from the law. Or are you currently in-house and looking to move from a corporate to private practice?

We are looking to appoint a commercially minded Head of Internal Legal & Risk to be advisor and trusted counsel to our Leadership and Management Team on risk, governance, regulation and professional obligations.

We are looking to appoint a commercially minded Head of Internal Legal & Risk to be the firm's principal legal advisor and trusted counsel to our leadership and management team on risk, governance, regulation and professional obligations.

Reporting to the COO, this is a standalone role with the primary focus of protecting the firm's interests while enabling its growth.

The role

• Risk and compliance: Lead the firm's risk management framework and controls, including the Business Continuity Plan, policy audits and legal profession regulatory compliance.
• AML/CTF: Act as the firm's AML/CTF Compliance Officer, owning the governance, processes and KYC guidance that keep us compliant.
• Ethics and conflicts: Own the conflicts policy and central conflicts register, support the Conflicts Committee, and deliver training on ethics, confidentiality, conflicts and the responsible use of AI in client work.
• Complaints and PI: Manage complaints, investigations and professional indemnity notifications, including matters involving Law Societies and the Legal Services Commissioner.
• Internal legal: Maintain the firm's terms of engagement, advise on client and vendor contracts, draft partnership and governance documents, and manage litigation and disputes involving the firm.
• Insurance: Oversee the full insurance program, including renewals with our broker and claims management.
• Governance and company secretariat: Run rolling policy review, ARC follow-ups, outside appointments protocols, ASIC registers and minutes, and services trust obligations.

About you

• Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner holding a current practising certificate.
• Senior Associate / Special Counsel or Current in-house General Counsel with 8+ years' PQE in a commercial, regulatory or risk-focused practice. In-house or law firm risk experience is a bonus.
• Solid working knowledge of legal profession regulation, the Privacy Act and the Fair Work Act. AML/CTF experience is highly regarded.
• Commercial judgement to weigh risk against opportunity and give practical, pragmatic advice.
• Confidence, diplomacy and credibility to advise partners and senior leaders.

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.
• For further information regarding this opportunity please contact Nikki Costelloe on +61 2 4924 7307.