Mills Oakley advises international corporations, ASX-listed companies, and government bodies on a wide range of labour and employment matters. Daniel White is noted for handling industrial relations disputes in the maritime, rail, construction, and mining industries, while Ross Levin has developed an innovative peer resolution system for workplace bullying and harassment. Laura Sowden covers employment, discrimination, and related litigation, Patrick Walsh focuses on claims involving self-insured employers, and Sophie Cleveland is trusted by government and statutory agencies on complex workplace issues. Harold Downes is also recognised for his broad employment expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Daniel White has exceptional experience in industrial relations and EBA negotiations, and his insights are invaluable.'
- 'Samantha Maddern is a highly experienced employment lawyer who provides clear guidance in complex and nuanced situations.'
- 'Daniel White is very responsive and deeply engaged in the industrial relations and employment law space. He provides solid legal and strategic advice that reflects our industry.'
- 'Samantha Maddern is also excellent; she is very responsive and provides practical, well-written advice that is easily understood by stakeholders.'
- 'They provide a personalised service, regardless of the day of the week or weekend, and are responsive and strategic in their assistance.'
- 'They take a personal interest in your situation and behave as if the issues you are dealing with are also theirs, providing valuable insights and experience.'
- 'They have deep experience in industrial relations and contentious employment matters.'
- 'The Mills Oakley labour and employment practice are well connected and well abreast of changes in the industrial relations space, both state and federal.'
Key clients
- Fremantle Port Authority
- Austal Limited
- Registered Clubs Association of NSW
- Grill’d Healthy Burgers
- Fitzroy Coal Management
- Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
- Veolia Recycling and Recovery Pty Ltd
- Saipem Australia
- McDermott International
- Western Australian Local Government Association
Work highlights
Assisted Saipem Australia Pty Ltd with obtaining an urgent interlocutory injunction in the Federal Court preventing eight days of notified protected industrial action by members of the Australian Workers’ Union from occurring on the world-leading offshore pipe lay construction vessel the Castorone servicing the Woodside Energy Limited Scarborough Trunkline installation project, saving over $32m in potential losses on the project.
Acted for one of the world’s largest waste and environmental management services company Veolia in a leading unfair dismissal case, involving breach of a drug and alcohol policy by a (then) employee.
Assisted Grill’d (one of Australia’s leading fast food companies) with the renewal of their Australia-wide enterprise agreement.
Practice head
Daniel White; Harold Downes; Ross Levin; Laura Sowden; Patrick Walsh; Sophie Cleveland
Other key lawyers
Samantha Maddern