In Adelaide insurance lawyer Anita Diakou was also promoted. Ms Diakiou is a member of the South Australian Workers' Compensation team, undertaking contract work for Return To Work SA.

Jehan Mata, an insurance lawyer in Melbourne is also now a senior associate. Ms Mata advises clients on health law and casualty lines, including public liability, professional indemnity and occupiers' liability matters.

In Newcastle commercial and projects lawyer Cheree Sawley was also promoted. Ms Sawley has skills in litigation but also has an interest in alternative dispute resolution and negotiation.

The other seven promotions took place in Sparke Helmore’s Sydney office.

Ian Bennet, Julie Kneebone and Susan Withycombe-Taperell in the workplace practice were all promoted, as well as Shelley Leembruggen and Jonathan Tyne from the insurance practice.

Lastly Emanuel Oros from the commercial and projects practice and Janelle Watts from the corporate practice were both promoted.

Sparke Helmore's chairman of partners Mark Hickey said: “These promotions are recognition of each lawyer's exceptional performance, providing excellent service for our clients and supporting their respective teams.

“I congratulate them on their well-deserved promotions and am sure they will continue to make significant contributions and provide invaluable support to their teams in their more senior roles.”

It was recently announced that Sparke Helmore’s current national managing partner Jesse Webb is stepping down and will be replaced with Phillip Salem on 1 March 2016.