Areas of legal practice

Employment law

Australian laws provide a high level of protection to employees and employers in the performance and termination of all forms of employment in Australia. 

Employment law broadly covers unfair dismissal and unlawful dismissal of employment.  But it is not merely about the firing of an employee.  It is about the management of employees and the compliance by both employer and employee with an employment agreement. 

Companies impose policies and procedures to help better manage the employment relationship.  Governments and the courts impose minimum standards and fair play in the termination of employment. 

The area of employment law spans statutory agreements and common law contracts, equal opportunity law and all aspects of unlawful discrimination.

Building, Construction and Town Planning

Many business people and land owners find that the securing of permits for land use to expand a business, create a new business, build or subdivide land, to be their greatest hurdle to getting on with their business. We assist throughout the process from advising on applications through to the appeal process, if necessary. This advice includes:

  • Initial contact with council to ensure that the requirements of the council are lawful and reasonable;
  • Assisting in the preparation of a permit application or rezoning application;
  • Introducing the client to other necessary skilled professionals including surveyors, engineers, town planners and economic consultants;
  • Further consultation with council officers, councilors and government departments to ensure that the merits of the proposal are advanced and hurdles overcome as far as is practicable to do so;
  • Advising on the consequences of development proposals, acceptances and rejections.
  • Appeals to VCAT (Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal) and legal representation at mediation and hearing of appeals; and
  • Above all the Principal of the firm has over many years negotiated outcomes with protagonists in disputes both within mediation and direct negotiation. The skillful art of negotiation is the most important aspect in achieving the right outcome to a dispute.