If you have any kind of employment dispute, our employment lawyers can help
Many people can expect at some stage in their careers to have to take professional advice from an employment lawyer. This may be before you start a new job, while you're doing it, or when you leave.
Having heard too often and too late, "I wish I’d found out about this before now. I didn’t bother to check at the time", we know it's vital to address critical issues before they become a major problem.
Our lawyers are recognised leaders in employment law. Our employment lawyers are dedicated advocates for fairness in the workplace, and in your career. You give your valuable time, skills, talents, and reputations to the service of your employer, so we work with you to ensure you get rewarded fairly, and can continue to work productively.
Have you been injured at work?
If you've suffered an injury or illness at your workplace, you may be entitled to benefits under the Workers Compensation Scheme.
Common employment issues
There are many circumstances where you may find yourself in need of expert legal advice, including:
Workplace investigations, such as misconduct and disciplinary issues
Negotiation of executive and non-executive employment contracts
Advice on employment contracts
Settlement agreements
Restraint of trade advice
Payment disputes
Refused parental and other leave
Professional registration issues, such as teacher registration through the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) or health professional registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Know what you're entitled to
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:
- Unpaid wages (in the case of underpayment)
- Monetary compensation
- Reinstatement to employment
- Review of unfair decisions
Act fast
Strict time limits apply for some cases. For example, in most cases of unfair dismissal, there is a strict 21 day deadline. Speak to us today to ensure you have expert legal representation on your side.
Your rights at work
There are rules about what employees get at work, such as what hours they work and how often they have to have a break. These rules can be set out in different places such as an award, registered agreement or an employment contract.
An employee's minimum entitlements are set out in the National Employment Standards (NES) and awards. A registered agreement or employment contract can provide for other entitlements but they can't be less than what's in the NES or the award that applies.
If your employer fails to abide by these rules, you might have a claim.
How we can help
Our approach is to work with organisations and our clients to deliver positive solutions, not legal problems. Our role is not just about legal counsel. It's to enable our clients to work confidently with supportive, knowledgeable professionals who can make a difference to their situation. Our employment law lawyers focus on giving pragmatic and strategic legal advice. We offer a skilful, explicit examination of every situation.
Fees
We take pride in being up-front and transparent about our fees. A fee of $660 (includes GST) is payable prior to your first consultation. During this consultation we will discuss your situation and advise what can be done to assist, anticipated costs and how to progress with your case. Depending on whether or not your case needs to progress past a certain point - further quotes will be offered later in your case.
What to expect
We'll listen to your story, give you initial advice and organise a time for your initial appointment.
- At your initial appointment, your lawyer will review any documents and discuss your case with you in detail. We'll give initial advice during the appointment and follow up with written advice, and inform you of any next steps.
- At this point there are three general outcomes – we may advise you that there's no claim to be made, we might make direct contact with your employer or the other party, or we'll lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission.
We'll gather any documents we need to fight for your case, which could include contracts, communications or other documents.
Usually, your dispute or application will be lodged with the Fair Work Commission, State Commission or the Federal Courts.
At this stage, parties attempt to resolve the issues before going to a court hearing.
Most cases don't make it to court. If yours does, you can be confident that we'll prepare and guide you through every step to achieve the best outcome possible.
Meet the Employment Law team
Whether supported by a trade union or not, for profit or not-for-profit, small business, multi-national, executive, managerial, partner and everywhere in between, we know the important role work plays in everyone’s lives. We want to help our clients make it the best it can be. Our lawyers have a rare combination of high level legal knowledge, negotiation skills, reputation for great advocacy, pragmatism and compassion.
