The Legal 500

Blake Dawson has the ‘expertise for big-ticket employment work’ and provides specialist advice on enterprise bargaining, executive contract disputes and industrial actions. The practice’s enviable client base includes large banks, shipping companies and energy and natural resources firms. Among recent instructions, the ‘razor-sharp’ Michael Tamvakologos recently acted for ANZ on its collective agreement with the Finance Sector Union, and Stephen Amendola assisted the government of Western Australia on reviewing its industrial relations (IR) laws. Richard Bunting, an ‘excellent strategist’ with ‘outstanding political acumen’, advised BHP Billiton on employee contract issues.

Freehills had looked at divesting its employment practice, but in absence of such a move taking place the firm retains a ‘level of expertise in employment law that is second to none within Australia’. The ‘highly rated’ Graeme Smith recently represented Qantas in two trade union disputes and led the team in advising BHP Billiton on enterprise agreement negotiation strategies. The group operates to a ‘very high standard’, and is an ‘invaluable business partner’ to clients. Russell Allen is a ‘doyen of IR law’; Paul Burns, Chris Gardner and Tony Wood have ‘an excellent knowledge of legislation’.

John Tuck’s move from Freehills to Corrs Chambers Westgarth has provided additional resources for a team that was already ‘particularly strong’ on workplace issues. The practice has an impressive array of public sector clients including the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Stephen Price is advising NBNco on all workplace relations matters. Val Gostencnik has a ‘detailed understanding of employment law and IR’.

Minter Ellison couples a solid body of public sector work with strong litigation prowess. Recently, the team acted for the Queensland and Victorian governments on industrial issues. The group also has an impressive private sector client base, including large energy companies (Energy Australia, BHP group) and financial services entities (such as Amex and Lloyds (HBOS)). Andrew Cunningham recently assisted Westpac with a large enterprise agreement. Jim Fox heads the practice.

Australian Business Lawyers lost a number of crucial figures including Sharlene Wellard and former managing partner Tim Capelin to Piper Alderman. Julian Courtney-Stubbs and Tony Vernier were recruited to address the shortfall, and continue to uphold the firm’s strong offering in discrimination proceedings and terminations.

Clayton Utz provides ‘thorough advice’ to large corporates and government agencies on enterprise bargaining, discrimination and termination cases. IR specialist Joe Catanzariti recently acted for multinational clients in proceedings brought by former executive employees, and Graham Smith advised the Fair Work Ombudsman. Hedy Cray is ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’, and has previously advised Gold Coast City Council and Allconnex Water on industrial relations strategy.

Dianne Banks’ ‘practical approach’ and ‘great relationship skills’ make her an ‘absolute standout’ in the team at Gilbert + Tobin. The group recently acted for Westpac on sourcing of a loan-processing centre and handled employee matters relating to the NSW government’s sale of WSN Environmental Solutions.

Philip Willox’s arrival from Freehills has significantly boosted Mallesons Stephen Jaques’ employment expertise in the energy and resources sector. Additionally, clients ‘cannot speak highly enough’ of Murray Kellock.

‘Strong in occupational health and safety law’ and employee disputes, Norton Rose Australia’s hardworking team primarily represents construction companies, engineering firms and government bodies. Sally Woodward defended David Jones and its directors in a sexual harassment case, and Martin Osborne advised Bechtel on IR matters.

Allens Arthur Robinson’s employment capabilities were dented when Adam Lunn left for Mills Oakley Lawyers Pty. Ltd. in early 2011. Tim Frost stepped in to fill the void, and recently acted for Amcor in a claim brought by The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

Arnold Bloch Leibler’s sole employment partner Henry Skene handles CEO departures and IR reform. Recent highlights include advising Australian Mines & Metals Association on policy, and advising on an enterprise agreement between National Electrical Communications Association and the Electrical Trades Union.

After John Tuck’s departure in early 2011, DLA Piper Australia has scaled back its employment group. However, Simon Billing recently defended Fortescue Metals Group against 18 occupational health and safety (OH&S) criminal charges, and Andrew Ball and Nick Ruskin acted in two large termination cases. IR veteran Allan Drake-Brockman heads the practice.

FCB Workplace Law is considered to be ‘the last real boutique employment firm left in Melbourne’. ‘Skilful negotiator’ Campbell Fisher is ‘intelligent, driven and insightful’, and has advised clients including Visy Group and ANZ.

Henry Davis York handles disciplinary work for New South Wales Police, and the ‘pragmatic’ Stephen Jauncey and Pamela Flynn continue to act for Woolworths in union disputes and enterprise agreements. Tony Woods is well regarded for OH&S matters, and the ‘responsive’ Vanessa Andersen specialises in unfair dismissal claims for banking clients.

Maddocks’ Bruce Heddle recently acted for Macquarie Bank in a Supreme Court case concerning incentive schemes. Ross Jackson heads the team, which also represents Melbourne City Council and Victoria Police. Darren Gardner has particular proficiency in human resources and discrimination cases, while Karl Blake is recommended for his work in outsourcing.

Heavily reliant on corporate referrals Baker & McKenzie’s employment team acts for a number of the firm’s existing clients including Allianz and OMD. Team leader Paul Brown has a good reputation.

DibbsBarker ‘stands out for its IR and ER expertise’. John Oakes recently acted for Leighton in its collective negotiations with assistance from Maree Skinner; Paul Almond advises clients on the Fair Work Act.

Fragomen handles immigration matters for clients such as ANZ, Adani Mining and Siemens Australia. Australia’s skill shortage saw the firm receive over 16,000 instructions between mid 2010 and mid 2011. Managing partner Robert Walsh recently assisted IBM with visa services for its overseas employees.

Gadens Lawyers’ Mark Sant represented CHEP Australia and Metcash in defending claims brought by the National Union of Workers. Jane Seymour has now stepped back to a consultancy role.

The departure of Joydeep Hor diminished the reputation of Harmers Workplace Lawyers, but it maintains a sizeable team that continues to offer ‘appropriate, pragmatic, reasoned’ employment law advice to CEOs and prominent media figures. Michael Harmer recently acted for Kristy Fraser-Kirk in the David Jones sexual harassment case. Shana Schreier-Joffe is also recommended.

Chris Hartigan and Louise Russell at Herbert Geer are highly regarded for their IR expertise. Clients include AEMO, Credit Suisse and the government of Victoria.

McCullough Robertson’s Tim Longwill advised Aged Care Queensland on its opposing argument to United Voice’s bargaining application to Fair Work Australia. Michael Moy advised John Holland and Leighton Mining on enterprise agreements.

Holding Redlich is a robust presence on the Eastern seaboard, acting in unfair dismissal claims and OH&S matters. IR expert Charles Power heads the practice.

Neil Napper of Lander & Rogers is well regarded for industrial relations and OH&S work. He recently assisted OAMPS Insurance Brokers in enforcing an employee post-employment restraint in the NSW Court of Appeal.