National law firm Sparke Helmore has announced the promotion of five lawyers to senior roles, spanning four key practice areas.
Sparke Helmore has promoted five lawyers across the firm, including two new partners, one special counsel, and two senior associates, effective 1 January 2026.
The national law firms’ newly appointed partners are Vanessa Finlayson from its CTP insurance practice and Alexandra Woodland from its statutory lines insurance practice.
With over two decades of legal experience, Finlayson advises on risk and exposure, focusing on negotiation strategies, early resolution, medical disputes, s151Z recoveries, multi-party insurance matters, and fraud claims.
Woodland primarily specialises in workers’ compensation, advising the state statutory authority and its claims agents on matters under South Australian workers’ compensation legislation.
In addition to these partnership promotions, Ashley Sherr (workplace) has been promoted to special counsel, and Madeline Coats (statutory lines insurance) and Jesse Slankard (government public and regulatory) have been elevated to senior associate.
Andrew White, national managing partner at Sparke Helmore, expressed how these promotions reflect the lawyers’ dedication and the significant impact they are poised to make on the firm’s ongoing success.
“It is always a great day when I announce promotions from among our talented cohort of senior lawyers,” White said.
“Vanessa and Alexandra joining our partnership, alongside Ashley, Madeline and Jesse’s promotions, are testament to the dedication they have shown in achieving this significant career milestone.
“I know their contributions will continue to drive the firm’s success and growth and that they will excel in their new roles.”
This news follows the law firm appointing a workplace partner and special counsel from Squire Patton Boggs at the end of 2025 and taking an insurance practice team from Colin Biggers & Paisley in mid-November.
