Employment & Discrimination
Workplace disputes, handled with discretion.
Strategic, practical advice for employers and employees, resolved efficiently and litigated firmly when necessary.
Whether you are protecting a career or maintaining a fair workplace, employment disputes are personal and often public. We aim to resolve matters early, through negotiation or mediation, and advocate firmly in litigation where it is needed.
Our principals have prosecuted and defended racial vilification and discrimination claims, including landmark cases under the Racial Discrimination Act.
What we do
Unfair dismissal and adverse action
Claims before the Fair Work Commission and the courts.
Redundancy
Advice on genuine redundancy and entitlements.
Discrimination and vilification
Workplace and general discrimination, including racial vilification.
Bullying and harassment
Complaints, investigations and claims.
Whistleblowing
Protection for people who report wrongdoing.
Contracts and restraints
Non-compete, confidentiality and executive contract disputes.
Selected matters
Cases that shaped workplace and discrimination law.
Matters our principals have acted in, including in prior roles. Many of our clients value privacy, so most of our work is never reported.
- Mark O'Brien
Seven Network v Network Ten
Restrained a senior executive from joining a rival network.
- Steven Lewis
Racial Discrimination Act
Ran landmark cases on racial vilification and discrimination.
- Steven Lewis
Civil contempt
Obtained a sentence of imprisonment against a Holocaust denier for civil contempt.
- Steven Lewis
Community broadcasting licence
Defeated an application by the Australian National Imams Council to strip a community radio station of its licence.
FAQs
Common questions.
General information only. Every matter turns on its facts, so speak with us about yours.
How long do I have to make an unfair dismissal claim?
21 days from when the dismissal takes effect. The same limit applies to general protections claims involving dismissal. Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances, so act quickly.
Do you act for employers as well as employees?
Yes. We act for both, including senior executives negotiating an exit and employers managing complaints, investigations and restraints.
Are non-compete clauses enforceable?
Sometimes. In NSW a restraint is enforceable only to the extent it is reasonable to protect a legitimate business interest, and the Restraints of Trade Act 1976 (NSW) lets a court read it down. The federal government has also announced limits on non-competes for many employees from 2027.
Confidential consultation
Speak with a principal today.
Everything you tell us is confidential. If a publication is imminent, call us directly so we can act before it runs.
- Urgent
- 02 9216 9827 · 24/7
- Overseas
- +61 2 9216 9827
- Office
- Level 10, 16-18 O'Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000