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Understanding Legal Rights at Work
Anyone can experience difficulties in the workplace, regardless of their age, role or experience level. However, many people are unaware of their legal rights and obligations under Australian workplace laws.
For employers, failing to understand workplace obligations can expose a business to unnecessary legal risk and increase the likelihood of employment disputes or Fair Work claims.
For employees, not understanding your workplace rights can lead to issues involving unfair dismissal, workplace harassment, discrimination or breaches of employment conditions.
We provide practical employment law advice for employees, employers and contractors across a wide range of workplace matters, including unfair dismissal, redundancy and workplace disputes.
Employment Law Services for Employees & Employers
Whether you’re an employee, employer or contractor, understanding your workplace rights and obligations is essential. Our team has over 30 years of experience practising and advising in employment law, acting for both employees and employers across Wollongong and NSW.
This experience gives us a balanced perspective and practical understanding of workplace disputes, employment relationships and the challenges faced by both sides.
Adverse Action & General Protections Claims
The Fair Work Act protects employees from being penalised for exercising their workplace rights, raising legitimate complaints, or refusing to be discriminated against. When dismissal, disciplinary action or other unfavourable treatment follows a protected activity, it may amount to unlawful adverse action.
Our employment lawyers represent both employees and employers in adverse action and general protections claims, providing clear advice on your rights and the strength of your position.
Employment Contracts
Employment contracts vary significantly depending on the organisation, industry and role involved. We review agreements for employees to help protect their workplace rights, and assist employers and contractors with drafting and updating contracts, subcontractor agreements and workplace policies.
A well-drafted contract should clearly address termination, parental leave entitlements, dispute resolution procedures and restraint clauses including non-compete obligations.
Harassment, Bullying & Discrimination
Workplace harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment can have serious impacts on employees and workplace culture. If you’re experiencing this, keeping records of incidents and communications is important, and early legal advice can help clarify your rights and options.
We assist both employees and employers with workplace harassment matters, discrimination claims, workplace investigations and Fair Work advice.
Independent Contractors
Determining whether a worker is genuinely an independent contractor or an employee can have significant legal and financial consequences for both parties.
We advise contractors, businesses and employers on contractor agreements, workplace obligations, subcontracting arrangements and employment classifications.
Social Media Policies
Businesses increasingly require clear policies governing the use of social media and digital communications in the workplace. Well-drafted policies help manage reputational risk, clarify employee obligations and reduce the likelihood of workplace disputes.
Our lawyers assist employers in preparing and reviewing workplace policies that address social media use, online conduct and digital communication standards.
Unfair Dismissal Claims
If you have been dismissed in a way that is harsh, unjust or unreasonable, you may have grounds to lodge an unfair dismissal claim through the Fair Work Commission. Applications generally need to be lodged within 21 days of dismissal, so early advice is essential.
Our employment lawyers assist both employees and employers with unfair dismissal matters, Fair Work advice, and workplace dispute resolution.
Work Health and Safety (WHS)
Employers have important obligations under workplace health and safety laws to provide safe working environments and manage workplace risks appropriately. We advise on WHS compliance, risk management, and regulatory obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).
Workers’ Compensation
When a workplace injury or incident occurs, navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be complex for both employers and employees. We assist with claims, disputes, and compliance matters arising from workplace injuries under NSW workers’ compensation legislation.
Services for Employees
We assist employees across Wollongong and the Illawarra with a wide range of workplace and employment law matters.
Our employment lawyers provide advice and representation for:
- Unfair dismissal claims
- Workplace harassment and discrimination
- Adverse action and general protections claims
- Employment contract reviews
- Workers’ compensation and workplace disputes
- Fair Work matters and workplace investigations
We understand that workplace disputes can be stressful and time-sensitive. Our team provides practical legal advice to help employees understand their rights and available options.
Services for Employers & Contractors
Strong workplace relationships and compliant workplace practices are essential for maintaining productive and successful businesses.
Workplace disputes can impact business performance, staff morale and long-term reputation if not managed appropriately.
Our employment lawyers assist employers and contractors with:
- Employment contracts and workplace policies
- Workplace disputes and investigations
- Contractor agreements
- Unfair dismissal responses
- Workplace harassment and discrimination matters
- Fair Work compliance advice
- WHS and workplace obligations
We provide practical, commercially focused advice designed to help businesses minimise risk and proactively manage workplace issues.
Our Approach to Employment Law
Our team serves Wollongong and the greater Illawarra region with over 30 years of employment law experience.
We combine practical legal advice with strong dispute resolution and litigation experience to help clients navigate workplace disputes, contractual issues and Fair Work matters effectively.
Where possible, we focus on resolving disputes efficiently and commercially before they escalate into litigation. However, when formal proceedings are necessary, we have extensive experience representing clients in complex workplace disputes and Court proceedings.
Speak With an Employment Lawyer Today
If you need advice about a workplace dispute, unfair dismissal claim, employment contract or Fair Work matter, our experienced employment lawyers are here to help.
Contact our team for practical, straightforward employment law advice.
Steps To Get Started
FAQs
As an employee, you are protected from adverse action or retaliation by your employer for making a complaint, participating in an investigation, or exercising your legal right.
Conditions outlined in the Fair Work Act 2009 set the bar for employment law across Australia, impacting the way that businesses can hire, retain and fire employees as well as the conditions under which employees can reasonably expect to work.
Each workplace may have different requirements for notice to leave, depending on the circumstances and the contracts signed.
While a contract, either written or verbal, is not required, it is advisable to have one in place so that both parties are aware of the expectations.
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and respectful work environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
If an employee believes their employers are not following proper protocols or are unfairly handling a complaint against you for making inappropriate comments at work, the employee may engage a lawyer to better understand their situation.
What Our Clients Say
