Melbourne-based KHQ Lawyers is a specialist workplace and safety boutique noted for its handling of cross-border matters and union disputes across the construction, maintenance, manufacturing, finance, and logistics sectors. At the helm of the practice, Chris Gianatti advises on large-scale projects, enterprise bargaining, safety issues, and complex industrial litigation. Michael Cochrane advises on Fair Work Act compliance and enforcement, while Claire Brown focuses on operational relations and HR. Adam Lambert and Tom Molan are also recommended members of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Chris Gianatti is an outstanding legal adviser with an ability to anticipate likely outcomes with impressive accuracy, and Claire Brown is a fantastic adviser whose expertise, reliability, and clarity ensure strategic, practical guidance.'
- 'Michael Cochrane is a delight to work with; he has strong legal expertise, is calm under pressure, and is an exceptional team leader who assembles a high-quality, approachable team for fast-paced, high-stakes litigation.'
- 'James Allen is pragmatic, approachable, and engaging; he takes time to understand the situation, reviews all relevant information, and provides trusted, commercially relevant advice.'
- 'Gemma Carroll is responsive, proactive, and thoughtful, cutting through complexity to deliver clear, practical advice, and guiding sensitive matters with care and fairness.'
- 'The team at KHQ Lawyers are exceptionally responsive and deeply knowledgeable; they have a strong grasp of the employment law landscape, stay across the latest developments, and provide prompt, practical advice with valuable follow-up.'
- 'We have always had fantastic experiences with KHQ Lawyers; they are professional, responsive, friendly, reasonable, and timely, with exceptional resources and a personalised approach that makes you feel valued.'
Key clients
- CSL Limited
- Qube Holdings Limited
- KONE
- DeHeng Law Offices
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- ENGIE
- John Holland Group
- Asahi Holdings Limited
- NTT Data
- Mars Inc
- Saputo Inc
- UGL
Work highlights
Acting for John Holland in infrastructure nationally with respect to enterprise bargaining and union disputes including the Melbourne Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel Projects (Victoria), Gold Coast Light Rail (Queensland), M1 Pacific Highway and M7 Projects (New South Wales), and Torrens to Darlington Project (South Australia).
Acting for Corestaff in multiple “same job same pay” proceedings before the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission.
Acted for a national logistics provider in relation to a long-running industrial dispute, which involved acting for the logistics provider in an application brought by the Union for an intractable bargaining declaration and workplace determination.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Chris Gianatti; Michael Cochrane; Claire Brown; Adam Lambert; Tom Molan
Other key lawyers
James Allen; Gemma Carroll