People focused. Resolution driven.
Employment law advice for you
When something at work is not right, it can affect far more than your job. We give employees clear, practical advice about their rights and options, and we can act for you through to resolution.
Understand where you stand, before you decide what to do next
Whether you have been handed a contract to sign, asked to respond to allegations, or your employment has come to an end, it helps to understand your position early. The earlier you seek advice, the more options you are likely to have.
We take the time to listen, explain the law in plain English and give you a realistic view of your options, including the risks and costs involved, so you can make an informed decision.
Has your employment ended? Time limits are short.
Unfair dismissal applications and general protections applications involving dismissal are lodged with the Fair Work Commission. Strict time limits apply after dismissal takes effect, so reach out now.
Advice and representation for employees
From the day you are offered a role to the day you leave, these are some of the areas where we can help.
Contract Review & Advice Before You Sign
An employment contract sets the terms of your working relationship, and some clauses can have consequences well after you leave. We review your contract before you sign it and explain what it means for you.
- Pay, hours, annualised salary and set-off clauses
- Restraint of trade and confidentiality clauses
- Notice periods, termination and probation terms
- Whether the contract aligns with the applicable award or enterprise agreement
Underpayment & Wage Recovery
If you think you have not been paid correctly, we can review what you have been paid against what you are entitled to, and help you take steps to recover any shortfall.
- Award, enterprise agreement and classification review
- Wage modelling of penalty rates, overtime, allowances and superannuation
- Annualised salary and set-off arrangements
- Letters of demand, negotiation and recovery proceedings
Negotiated Exits and Settlements
Sometimes the best way forward is a negotiated exit. We can negotiate on your behalf and review any deed of release or settlement agreement before you sign, so you understand what you are agreeing to and what rights you may be giving up.
- Negotiating exit terms and payments
- Reviewing deeds of release and settlement agreements
- Confidentiality, non-disparagement and reference terms
- Redundancy entitlements
Unfair Dismissal Claims
If you have been dismissed in a way you believe was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, you may be able to make an unfair dismissal application to the Fair Work Commission. We can assess your eligibility, prepare your application and act for you, including representation subject to leave being granted.
- Eligibility assessment, including minimum employment period and income threshold
- Preparing and lodging your application
- Conciliation conferences and negotiation
- Hearings before the Fair Work Commission (subject to leave)
General Protections Claims
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) protects employees from adverse action taken because they exercised a workplace right, made a complaint or inquiry, took leave, or because of a protected attribute. We can advise you on whether you have a claim and act for you in the Fair Work Commission and, where needed, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), subject to leave.
- Adverse action, including dismissal, demotion or being treated differently
- Complaints and inquiries about your employment
- Taking leave, including personal and parental leave
- Coercion and misrepresentation of workplace rights
Discrimination, Harassment & Bullying Advice
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work. If you are experiencing discrimination, sexual harassment, sex or gender-based harassment or bullying, we can explain your options and support you through the process that is right for your situation.
- Stop bullying and stop sexual harassment orders in the Fair Work Commission
- Complaints to the Queensland Human Rights Commission or the Australian Human Rights Commission
- Raising concerns internally and responding to your employer's process
- Conciliation and negotiation
Investigation & Show Cause Responses
Being the subject of a workplace investigation or receiving a show cause letter can be stressful, and what you say in response matters. We can help you understand the allegations and the process, and prepare a considered written response.
- Understanding the allegations and the process being followed
- Preparing for interviews
- Drafting your written response to allegations or a show cause letter
- Advice on procedural fairness and next steps
Sham Contracting Advice
Being engaged as a contractor when you are, in substance, working as an employee can mean missing out on minimum wages, leave, superannuation and other entitlements. We can review your arrangement and advise you on your position.
- Assessing whether you are an employee or an independent contractor
- Identifying entitlements you may have missed
- Advice where you have been asked to move from employment to contracting
- Steps to recover entitlements
Getting started is straightforward
Tell us what is happening
Get in touch by phone, email or our contact form. A few lines is plenty; you do not need to have it all worked out.
We will come back to you
We aim to respond the same day or within one business day, and will let you know whether and how we can help.
Clear advice on your options
We explain your position, the possible next steps and our fees upfront, so you can decide how you would like to proceed.
Something at work not sitting right? We are here to help.
Tell us what is happening and we will let you know how we can help. No pressure and no legal jargon.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Eligibility requirements and time limits apply to many claims.