The 9 Best Employment Lawyers in Melbourne

Its range is the strength here, with work for employees alongside training, investigations and enterprise bargaining for employers. The practice has handled workplace law since 2011 and has lawyers in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Matters run from disciplinary meetings and general protections claims to independent contractor and intellectual property questions. First consultations can be held in person, by phone or by video, which helps if you are still at work.

Employees who want advice free of any employer conflict should start here, as the firm acts only for workers and takes no union referrals. Your first call goes straight to a lawyer with more than ten years in practice. Work covers dismissals, general protections, bullying, discrimination, underpayments and sham contracting. Fees are fixed, and dismissal claims can often run on a no-win no-fee basis, which lowers the risk of pursuing a claim.

Workers who have lost income through illness or injury get two kinds of help here, since the firm pairs employment law with superannuation and insurance disability claims. It acts for employees and employers, and offers small businesses and not-for-profits investigations, contract drafting and training. Executives and directors facing complaints or restructures have a dedicated service. Offices in the CBD and Bundoora make it a practical choice for the northern suburbs.

Small businesses that want an employment lawyer who also understands commercial disputes are well matched here. The firm acts for employers and employees on contracts, unfair dismissals, discrimination and wage disputes, and offers ongoing HR legal support on redundancies and performance management. Its stated approach is to resolve disputes early. The practice lists a Law Institute of Victoria accredited specialist in commercial litigation, useful if a workplace dispute turns into a contract claim.

Employers who want employment advice tied to migration and commercial work will find it in one place here. The firm advises businesses and institutions on contracts, policies, misconduct and the handling of dismissals and unfair dismissal claims. Its team also responds to child and employee safety concerns, a service that matters for organisations working with children. In-house migration lawyers handle sponsored visas, so hiring and workplace issues can stay with the same firm.

Executives negotiating an exit or a new contract are a good fit for this small CBD practice, which advises employers, senior staff and employees. Its lawyers bring more than 30 years of Melbourne employment law experience, alongside commercial litigation and debt recovery work. Matters include employment contracts, discrimination, harassment and unpaid wages. A free employment case assessment and availability seven days a week help when a claim deadline is close.

Union members and workers in heavily unionised sectors will find this firm a natural fit, as it advises unions such as the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and the Electrical Trades Union. Its employment team, led by senior partner Peter Gordon, handles dismissals, discrimination, sexual harassment, restraints and bonus disputes. It also runs class actions for workers over missed rest breaks. Bringing your contract and enterprise agreement details makes the paid first appointment more productive.

Workers who cannot afford a private lawyer should call here first, as this employment rights community legal centre runs a free and confidential telephone information service. The line takes more than 15,000 calls a year from workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. Its lawyers take on casework for vulnerable Victorian workers, with dedicated projects on pregnancy discrimination, international students and housing insecurity. Free fact sheets on common workplace problems are worth reading before you call.

Employees who want a large firm's resources at a known price can start with a one-hour, fixed-fee consultation here. The Melbourne office has a dedicated employment team of principal lawyers, special counsel and associates. It acts for workers on unfair dismissal, redundancy, bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination and unpaid superannuation. Employment contracts can also be reviewed for a fixed fee before you sign, a sensible step before taking on a senior role.