Norton Rose Fulbright’s employment team routinely advises clients on complex workplace issues, including director and officer responsibilities amid changing legislation. Headed by Jason Noakes in Sydney, the team specialises in industrial relations strategy, workforce restructuring, and innovative approaches to employee management. Martin Osborne is a highly regarded litigator, regularly handling disputes involving discrimination, harassment, bullying, and unfair and unlawful dismissals, while Bede Gahan brings specialist insight to public sector employment matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Melinda Bell stands out from other top-tier partners. She has a warm relationship with her staff, and this warmth extends to clients. Her team consults and communicates regularly to ensure that the work addresses client queries and litigation needs.'
- 'Melinda Bell's style helps manage internal stakeholder expectations. Melinda does not overcharge, and her services are well priced, making her highly cost-competitive.'
- 'The team are knowledgeable and easy to work with. They are responsive to deadlines, practical, and focused on outcomes rather than technicalities. They point to future issues as well as current ones, and are well priced for the high calibre of work delivered.'
- 'This is a forward-thinking team. I have enjoyed collaborating with like-minded female partners and lawyers who bring practicality, responsiveness, and commerciality to their advice.'
- 'Martin Osborne listens to client needs and provides both expert and practical advice.'
Key clients
- Airservices Australia
- Australian Public Service Commission
- Bloomberg Australia
- BMD Constructions
- BMS Heavy Cranes Australia
- Cushman & Wakefield
- Endota
- EVT Limited
- Genesis Care
- Gilead
- Goodman Property Services
- Healthshare Victoria
Work highlights
Represented a client in successfully seeking an interlocutory injunction against a former independent contractor of LCA Traralgon (part of the Laser Clinics Australia franchise network), thereby enforcing the post-engagement restraint in their contractor agreement.
Advised Alcon, a global leader in eye care, on the employment aspects of its strategic acquisition of Cylite Pty Ltd, an Australian med-tech company pioneering hyperparallel optical coherence tomography (HP-OCT) technology for ophthalmic applications; and ongoing post-acquisition transition support to Alcon.
Supported Hi-Quality Group with bargaining for the Hi-Quality Sales Victoria Pty Limited Enterprise Agreement 2024 to replace its current enterprise agreement, with the involvement of two union bargaining representatives, being the CFMEU and AWU.
Practice head
Jason Noakes
Other key lawyers
Bede Gahan, Martin Osborne; Melinda Bell