Sparke Helmore has announced the appointment of Emma Gruschka as Local Managing Partner of the firm’s Newcastle office.
As a Hunter Valley local workplace lawyer, Emma specialises in employment and work health and safety issues at a local, state, and national level. Emma’s expertise includes liaising with clients in diverse sectors, including mining, utilities, transport, financial services, insurance, health care and government.
“I’m honoured and delighted to take up this opportunity to lead our Newcastle office,” Emma said.
“Alan McKelvey held the post of Local Managing Partner for a number of years and I look forward to building on his legacy, bringing a new perspective and energy to support the great people of our office and the wonderful work they do.”
Emma says she is passionate about supporting young lawyers to build successful and rewarding careers in the Hunter. She has provided mentoring for women through the firm’s Six Degrees Network, guest lectured at the University of Newcastle and supported University’s Newcastle Law Students Association Women in Law events.
She is also a committed contributor to the firm’s Pro Bono programs and the firm’s Committee responsible for organising the annual Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon.
Sparke Helmore first opened its doors for business in Newcastle in September 1882 and 2022/2023 sees the firm celebrating its 140th anniversary as one of the oldest surviving businesses in Newcastle and one of the oldest law firms still operating in Australia.
Sparke Helmore’s National Managing Partner, Andrew white said that the firm’s anniversary allowed great reflection on the many great clients partnered with over the years.
“Sparke Helmore founders, William Sparke, and Basil Helmore, instilled traditions of strong ties to local communities, active involvement in the legal professional and new ways of working with clients.
Those traditions still hold true and are a reflection of the firm’s growing business today, traditions that Emma will continue to uphold as the new Local Managing Partner,” Andrew said.
IMAGE | Emma Gruschka, Sparke Helmore’s Local Managing Partner
