The Legal 500 > Asia Pacific > Australia > Labour and employment

‘For workplace investigations and advice, Jennifer Patterson is our “go-to”. Jennifer is discreet, effective and reasoned.’

‘The team is entirely employment lawyers – group of experts in the area. Very knowledgeable and partners are very practical. You can call them up and get practical advice, rather than just a spouting of the law.‘

‘Erin Hawthorne and Henry Skene are terrific. Very approachable and very practical in their advice – you can call them with a scenario and you’ll get a practical answer about what to do next.‘

‘Real life, concise, practical advice from practitioners who are accessible and professional.‘

‘Michael Tamvakologos and his team don’t simply work matter to matter, they develop a deep and current understanding of our business in terms of its short- ,medium- and long-term strategies. This informs technically excellent advice which considers the practical implications for our business, and often means that they can be proactive in terms of issue spotting. Michael genuinely cares about his clients and clearly has a passion for his work, and this shows in the level of service and quality of advice.‘

‘Michael Tamvakologos really cares about his clients and understands our business on more than a superficial level. This leads to more pragmatic advice than is typical. This is coupled with a his obvious passion for the law and experience across the whole spectrum of E&IR matters. I can’t think of a single time when Michael and his team have not delivered excellent advice and offered innovative solutions. Service levels are also very high. Rachel Bernasconi in Sydney is also an excellent lawyer and extremely responsive, Erin Hawthorne is an excellent litigator.’

‘One thing that really stands out about the Labour and Employment team at Baker McKenzie is the responsiveness of everyone on the team. Labour and employment matters can be extremely time sensitive, and it’s great to know that the team at Baker McKenzie will do whatever they can to make themselves available at all sorts of time and on little to no notice. That brings a lot of comfort to in-house legal teams and their business partners. The other key differentiator for Baker McKenzie is its extensive global network. I know I can rely on Baker McKenzie lawyers in almost every location around the world in which we operate.‘

‘Stephen Hardy has been incredibly helpful and responsive, and I rely on him extensively. He always adopts a pragmatic approach and offers practical tips that make it is easy to put his advice into action. He also works really well with non-legal clients in the business, by providing very clear, straightforward and easily-understood guidance.’

‘Unparalleled responsiveness and availability. A commercial and pragmatic approach that enables the advice to be readily applied and communicated internally without having to be translated for the real world. The advice given is always grounded in the broader organisational context – helping to ensure the long term implications are factored in, not just the short-term outcome.‘

‘I can always rely on Murray Kellock to tell it straight – a very real world practitioner who understands that this is an area of the law that is all about people, who have real world motivations and stresses, and that how I need to move forward in my matters needs to prioritise an understanding of and plan to deal with the likely reaction of those individuals to it.‘

‘Every member of the practice who we engage with provides a very high level of responsive service.‘

‘Christa Lenard has proven time and time again that she is willing to go the extra mile to be a valuable partner for us, making herself available at all times (often out of hours) to assist with pressing and time-sensitive matters that are significant to our business. Christa has been able to successfully build relationships with a number of leaders within my organisation through her personable approach to providing direct, yet balanced advice. I appreciate that Christa takes a very commercial view of the matters.’

‘Duncan Fletcher (and his team) are industry leaders, have a good understanding of the business, provide pragmatic advice and have strong technical knowledge. We have not had reason to use any other firms for advice on this area.‘

‘In my experience the employment law team at Maddocks has always worked hard to ensure that they provide best practice advice and representation. They have a thorough understanding of both the relevant law and our key objectives and strategies.‘

‘Stand out features are their knowledge of the law relevant to our particular area, their accessibility, being available to deal with issues seemingly at any time, and the fact that they are a close knit team.‘

‘The team at FCB – particularly the Brisbane team led by Bianca – is amazing. They take the time to build relationships and understand our business and therefore able to deliver practical solutions while managing risk.‘

‘I have worked with a number of G&T legal staff over the past few years and found their approach to be collegiate, consultative and above all able to get the best outcome by driving a win-win solutions strategy.‘

‘They are highly ethical, experiences and anticipate a range of outcomes. They ensure you are aware of all angles of the law and help you interpret advice to drive the best outcome. They are transparent and accountable.‘

‘Great depth of knowledge in Australian employment laws and regulations, at a state and federal level. Gilbert & Tobin’s practice seamlessly provides coverage across BAU queries (contract reviews and advisory work) and litigious matters. Highly recommend this team.‘

‘Dianne Banks and her team are responsive, knowledgeable and pragmatic. They take the time to understand our business and its needs, and help drive the outcomes we seek.‘

‘The labour and employment practice at Gilbert & Tobin are helpful and responsive. The team is on par with other firms and worked well with other Gilbert & Tobin teams to provide a more complete advice.‘

‘James Pomeroy’s superior technical knowledge is applied with commercial pragmatism. James’ calm demeanour when providing his advice under time pressure from the business was greatly appreciated. James also took the time to explain his advice and so provided a development opportunity from a client perspective.’

‘HFW have been a strong business partner over the last few years. They have a high level professional and supportive team who know our business and ensure they proactively approach and understand legislative changes affecting the hospitality industry. They are approachable and provide competent and clear advice in a language that resonates with our people.‘

‘They provide advice that is prudent and highlights the risk options clearly ensuring we are well informed to make decisions affecting compliance which supports our reputation.‘

‘Mark Sant has provided support 24/7 when required. He has always been approachable, sensitive to our business needs and I have always felt that “no question is a silly question”. He is courteous and professional at all times.‘

‘HFW stands out with their commercial client-focused industrial relations and employment practice. They understand our business needs and deliver quality advice with no ambiguity that makes business sense. The team is accessible and easy to work with; they provide business advice as much as legal advice. I have been working with the team for 2 years. We engaged the team for all things IR ranging strategic advice around structures and compliance to court disputes. We would not turn to any other firm for legal advice in this space.‘

‘Charmaine Tsang always provides clear and concise advice that is commercially sound. She is an exceptional IR lawyer, great to work with and proactively looks for innovative ways to assist our business. She is passionate about promoting diversity in the legal sector.‘

‘The labour and employment practice at HFW is unique in the manner in which it delivers its legal services because it provides options to its clients with respect to the delivery of legal services – ranging from a traditional approach to delivery to the use of technological solutions. This allows clients to receive services in a manner which suits their needs. The team itself is also very capable, with a wonderful depth of knowledge and experience across all areas of employment and industrial relations law. The team members are warm and engaging, and they listen and consider clients suggestions and needs, and try to deliver legally compliant and pragmatic solutions.’

‘I work closely with Mark Sant in particular. He has great business acumen, as well as a vast understanding of the law and legal issues, and so is particularly fabulous at devising strategies and solutions that work. He is also very easy to deal with, builds trust well, provides timely and cost effective advice and is an expert in his field (both employment and industrial law).‘

‘Brendan Milne is a stand out advisor and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. He is easy to deal with, always available and responsive, goes the extra mile, has a vast knowledge of industrial relations but is also very practical and takes the time to understand our commercial drivers and our stakeholders.’

‘KHQ’s people are passionate about their specialty areas, but will also seek to engage and understand our business in order to understand our drivers and approach to ER, IR and WHS issues. What really sets KHQ apart is their language. While the legal aspects are always there, it is presented in a business digestible format. Equally, the firm is always willing to explore options and test areas of law. It can be exciting to work with them.‘

‘Chris Giannatti and Michael Cochrane are standouts in their employment law field. Chris’s encyclopaedic case law knowledge is one of the best I’ve come across. His ability to provide legal solutions ‘on the fly’ is definitely a stand out, but the complex written work acknowledges the audience is the business, not other lawyers necessarily.’

‘Michael has an excellent strategic mindset when managing cases. Great focus on the longer game and sticking to the case narrative. Within that is excellent judgement on the tactical components of running cases.‘

‘A diverse team with a combination of skills and experience. Strong technical and commercial expertise. The in-house experience of partners at this firm is invaluable to the practice, enabling efficient, practical and commercial advice and outcomes.‘

‘Everyone I have dealt with at KHQ is approachable, personable and effective, overall a fantastic team to work with.‘

‘I feel the team at the practice at KHQ Lawyers are unique because they are all really personal. They take the time to understand not only our company needs and requirements, but our individual needs and requirements.‘

‘Pragmatic. Expert. Available and very approachable. Commercial – they understand commercial drivers in decision-making by business.‘

‘I have worked with a number of firms over the years, however I have never experienced the level of service, knowledge and accessibility that Chris Gianatti of KHQ provides to me as a client.’

‘Chris Gianatti is sensational. Always returns calls promptly and willing to discuss matters. His team is the same, treating the client to exceptional advice and service.‘

‘KHQ Lawyers is focused on finding the best solution for the business rather than wanting to proceed to litigation as a default option – litigation (although a necessary evil) doesn’t complete projects!‘

‘Chris Gianatti and his team know the industry and they know the players. They are always happy to make an effort to visit site and see and understand the problem for themselves. I see them as integrated members of the team as opposed to a resource I turn to when needed.‘

‘The practice’s real strength is that its lawyers are able to combine technical legal knowledge with practical industry experience to ensure that solutions developed are able to be achieved. This is particularly important in employment/industrial issues as any solution needs to be workable and acceptable at a workplace level.‘

‘The practice has also promoted within significantly which is a testament to their culture and their ability to develop their people which is reflected in their practice.‘

‘The size of the firm allows a more personalised approach and lawyers are always available to deal with issues.‘

‘Chris Gianatti and the team in the Labour and Employment practice of KHQ create a unique relationship with the client. They do so by focussing on the strategic business outcome desired and how it may be achieved cost effectively. You always feel they genuinely care.‘

‘Chris Gianatti – leads from the front – happy to understand core issues before he delegates. An expert who you can trust your company with.‘

‘KHQ Labour and Employment practice is made up of an exceptional group of highly competent and experienced lawyers who understand employment law and OHS&E like no other firm that I’ve dealt with in 20+ years. KHQ’s advice is practical and strategic, they navigate the applicable law and provide solutions to workplace problems that ensure best outcomes in the short and long term. As they have grown over the years so has their specialist expertise in a number of industries including building and construction, logistics and transport and manufacturing. The KHQ team are personable, approachable and available 24/7.‘

‘A boutique law firm but with Big Four capability in labour and employment. A unique blend of experience across employment law.‘

‘The team are proactive and well connected in industry, very knowledgable of the latest trends and developments in what is a fast paced resources industry. Very well versed in technicalities of law and legislation, with a strategic mind set. Specifically, the above values are displayed by Daniel White.‘

‘Industry knowledge, client care and focus, service time (fast turnaround), diligent case and submission preparation, professional service, access to capable and experienced barristers.’

‘Strong at building and maintaining client relationships.‘

‘We have worked predominately with Daniel White in the Industrial Relations team. Daniel has extensive offshore oil and gas experience and this is critical to our requirements. He works extensively with a range of oil and gas operators and service providers which provides him with insights into industry trends and IR strategies, particularly as it relates to EBA negotiations and the various offshore unions.‘

‘Daniel White provides a high level of service. He has an in-depth knowledge of our industry. He delivers quick turnaround times to meet often tight deadlines.’

‘Incredibly responsive, practical and astute.‘

‘Daniel White is the most responsive lawyer I have ever dealt with. His advice is always pragmatic and commercially sound.’

‘Mills Oakley demonstrated a very strong sense of partnership with our business. They sought to understand how our operations worked, such that the advice they provided was uniquely tailored to our circumstances.’

‘The team has a diverse set of experience, which allows them to advise across all areas of workplace relations. The team also accommodated specific operational circumstances within our business and tailored the service model to how we worked, including secondments, on-site delivery and training sessions.‘

‘In our dealings, Mills Oakley prioritised timeliness and ease of contact. Our matters were particularly time sensitive and often short notice – Daniel White always made himself available to provide guidance and assistance whether by phone, email or in person. Daniel understood our industry and the sectors we operate in, which allowed him to provide advice that was informed by, but also led the trends in those areas. With Daniel’s specialist assistance, we were able to achieve outcomes not achieved by others facing similar issues.’

‘Harold Downes has a fantastic legal mind and provide practical and commercial legal advice. Great subject matter expertise, approachable and client relationship focused.‘