Hall & Wilcox’s employment team is recognised for its well-established non-contentious and litigation practice, with a particular specialism in restraints of trade. Team leader Aaron Dearden leverages his considerable experience advising a diverse range of Australian industries, with a focus on highly unionised sectors, like telecommunications, maritime, and power generation. The firm has also recently made a number of key promotions, elevating Clare Kerley to the partnership, Nhu-Thuy Dinh to special counsel, and Holly Gretton to senior associate.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The overall quality of advice is excellent. It is both strategic and pragmatic, and they fully understand our business and how we operate. Deadlines are always met, and customer service is outstanding.'
- 'They provide strategic and pragmatic advice. Unlike other firms, their advice is not generic but reflects a deep understanding of our business.'
- 'They have a great breadth of experience, provide excellent client events, and really invest in building capability beyond immediate matters.'
- 'The broader team are impressive. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and easy to engage with. They consistently provide clear, well-considered guidance that reflects an understanding of both the legal framework and the realities we face on the ground. Their collaborative approach builds capability, offering support that resolves immediate issues and strengthens confidence in handling future matters.'
- 'Fay Calderone is my primary point of contact. She is responsive, pragmatic, and calm, even when the clients we are working with are not. She provides clear advice and support, and I value that her practice thinks beyond the legal and considers what is needed to support the client culture.'
- 'Clare Kerley is outstanding. She consistently demonstrates professionalism and approachability, actively listens to our concerns, and ensures we feel heard and understood. Her advice is practical and timely, and she takes the time to coach us through processes, which has empowered us to manage similar situations with confidence and competence.'
Key clients
- HEAD Oceania Pty Ltd.
- Smit Lamnalco (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Pendle Ham and Bacon
Work highlights
Represented HEAD Oceania in defending a complex adverse action claim in the Federal Court of Australia brought by its Australian Managing Director, Matthias Dorsch seeking more than $3m in damages and compensation.
Advising Smit Lamnalco, operators of the Reef Keeper, which provides an emergency towage service to ships in distress in North Queensland, on an urgent safety issue at sea.
Acted for four defendants successfully in a safety prosecution in which a worker fell through a skylight falling 8 metres, sustaining serious injuries; on 17th March 2025, the Court handed down judgment and found the corporate defendants not guilty of the gross negligence and recklessness charges, the Limited Partner not guilty of any offence and the worker not guilty of the charge against him.
Practice head
Aaron Dearden
Other key lawyers
Clare Kerley; Nhu-Thuy Dinh; Holly Gretton; Fay Calderone